New York, NY (April 22, 2003) - On October 22, 2002, more than 125 of the world's most respected and accomplished photographers set out on a unique global mission. Their instructions were simple: look beyond the dramatic news headlines, dig beneath the breaking news stories, and capture what life is like on an ordinary day around the world for the men and women of the U.S. military.

For 24 consecutive hours, this prize-wining team of civilian and military photographers—working in coordination with the U.S. Department of Defense—chronicled daily life in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES (HarperCollins; May 13, 2003; $40).

With a moving and personal foreword by the distinguished network news anchor and war correspondent Walter Cronkite, the resulting book, A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES is a timeless portrait and celebration—in indelible images and eloquent words—of the men and women who wear the uniforms of the American military.

Produced in association with The Boeing Company, the exclusive project underwriter, it is an extraordinary pictorial salute to the troops, and also to their courageous and supportive families at home.

The exclusive photographs document the lives of elite units and raw recruits; of Secretary Defense Donald Rumsfeld in Washington DC and soldiers in remote outposts; of cadets, privates, generals, firefighters and MPs. It illustrates life in the cockpit of a fighter, on a Trident submarine, in an underground missile silo; patrolling borders, jungles, mountains and harbors; and on a bases near and far‹raising kids, playing soccer going about daily routines and saying "good-bye."

The photographers—including 12 Pulitzer Prize winners as well as winners of Pictures of the Year and the World Press Photo—created an inspiring visual reminder in A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES of the routine and heroic operations, the courage, the sacrifices and dedication, that are necessary to defend America 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The "Day in the Life" series which has resonated with readers for over two decades, includes the best-selling A Day in the Life of America, published in 1986, was on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 57 weeks and 1.2 million copies in print.