The highest calling in NPPA's mission statement is "the advancement of photojournalism."

Advancing photojournalism involves providing practical knowledge and workshops, providing guidelines for ethics, fighting for press freedoms, supporting freelancers and finally, promoting excellence.

We could not in good faith present The Best of Photojournalism without also working to protect and promote an environment that makes it possible.

All of these initiatives involve effort, time and money. But the result is priceless. The Best of Photojournalism is our reward.

I want to congratulate you, NPPA's members for all that you do to advance photojournalism. Your membership makes this contest, this magazine, and everything else we do, possible.

In the amazing images which are in this issue, I see a collection of decisive moments which, when woven together, are a slice of time.

This glimpse of history includes both excruciating drama and whimsical humor, each of which exists despite each other.

As journalists, we see both the beauty of the human spirit and the ugliness of human hatred and we must share both with our readers.

Because this contest is digital and free, any photographer in the world, regardless of income, can enter.

Whether it is a photo of the snow queen in Concord, New Hampshire or a Venezuelan cowboy, this collection is not "the best of the NPPA members," not "the best of those who could afford an entry fee," but "The Best of Photojournalism," period.

My sincerest thanks goes out to the many people deeply rooted in this effort: Don Winslow, who produced this issue, shows us the best of photojournalism all year via the magazine and website; The BOP Committee, who are the driving force behind the birth and growth of the contest; and finally, the NPPA staff in Durham, who spend months preparing for and managing this contest, make the contest possible.

Equal in their dedication are these supporters of the NPPA BOP contest, both last year and this coming year; the Poynter Institute, Ohio University, Western Kentucky University, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Delkin, Grass Valley, Hesketh.com, Ibiblio.org, NPPA Photo Club, The Washington Post and MerlinOne. Their commitment to the NPPA is proof of their commitment to excellence in photojournalism.

The winners can stand tall knowing they have competed with the best images in the world, and risen to the top. As members, we all benefit from this collection. Enjoy your issue and Happy Holidays.