If I speak using my mouth, you will not understand a word that I say, so please allow me to say a few words from my heart. I have been in Sana'a for one year. In this time, I have seen good men die and good men breathe freedom.
In February of last year, the first time I walked into the camp, a man told me "thank you." I didn't know why he said it, but hopefully in some small ways I have earned it. In truth, it is you that I thank. To be allowed to be here for this long historical moment has been a tremendous gift.
I have learned that freedom needs to be alive for it to matter. When freedom sits, freedom becomes sleepy. Here in Sana'a, I have seen freedom march through the streets. I have seen freedom fired upon with bullets. I learned that a friend was murdered because he believed in freedom, a beautiful young man named Helmi. But I have also seen that freedom exists because of such people.
Your rewards do not match your efforts. But I believe that your efforts demand a better future; success is the child of belief. Here at Change Square and at other squares around Yemen, the birth of a new Yemen has taken place.
The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said, "Faith is Yemeni, wisdom is Yemeni." With your permission, let me say one more thing: Revolution, peaceful revolution, is Yemeni.
Luke
“I had the fortune to arrive in Sana'a, Yemen in late February 2011 - just as tents were being erected and as rallying cries were growing loud and clear. I found myself within walking distance of the epicenter of a remarkable revolutionary movement in its earliest stages.
Camera in hand, viewfinder to my eye, I took in much of what made 2011 a historic, tragic, and unforgettable year for Yemen. As sustained climaxes and hot bursts of emotion began to die down - and as the word 'revolution' was heard with less frequency - I was presented with the opportunity to not only record, but truly attempt to see, more of the fascinating lives which surround me.”
Luke
