Shadowman and some time to reflect

[Shadowman]

I hope that all are in the middle of a most wonderful weekend during which you find at least a few moments to reflect on the fact that the traditional "White Sales" came as the result of the efforts of far too many too list.

A heartfelt "Thank You" to all of you and your families

Shadowman

 

[B O N Y]

God Bless America!
God Bless the men and women that defend our way of life!
Bony from Bruges

 

[MorningFlight]

God Bless America! God Bless the men and women that defend our way of life!

Bony, every day is a good day to be an American. Today will be better than most. I may even watch the parade!

This time, I'll leave home the camera. Still have an image burned into my head from a Memorial Day Parade years ago. An old black man with a scrawny, silver-streaked beard standing next to me in front of a car dealer's showroom. Every time the flag passed by, he saluted. From the way he saluted, I just knew he was a Vet.

I had the perfect shot. A close-up of his right hand at his temple, with the American flag and aging Detroit convertibles reflected in the window behind him. Every now and then, his eyes seemed to focus not on the parade, but on some point far in the distance. Then it dawned on me. This old Vet wasn't merely saluting the flag. He was remembering, and, for probably the umpteenth time in his life, saying goodbye to his buddies.

Taking his picture began to feel like a crude intrusion. But I did talk myself into turning towards him to aim the camera. Then, for the first time, I noticed the moisture in his eyes and I knew instantly that this was one moment we both could share only in memory. Never did pull the trigger.

Hal Heindel
http://www.printshopmakeover.com

 

[B O N Y]

Thanks Hal for a wonderful post!
God bless America,
Daniel

 

[RADGT]

I went to a function @ FDR's homesite in Hyde Park New York as a patient(former marine) invited me. It was set up as an encampment with vehicles , tents, armory from WWI through now. Made it a point to personally thank any veteran I came across. The sacrifices made for our great country too often go unnoticed except for criticism. We should all be thankful for what we have and for those who have made it so it is not taken away. As a special treat I was given the opportunity to drive a Half track off road. 17 tons of armor...that was really cool. Gotta run, off to see a parade and pay respects, then to Limerock to watch some racing.

Stu

 

[pauleddy]

Hal, your post is most eloquent. Much appreciated!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Your post makes the actual photo unnecessary, Hal. I think we all can see it now anyway.

Thanks...

Larry

 

[FordGT75]

A heartfelt thank you to all the men and women who have risked their lives to defend our freedom here in America.
God Bless America

 

[S592R]

I went to a function @ FDR's homesite in Hyde Park New York as a patient(former marine) invited me. It was set up as an encampment with vehicles , tents, armory from WWI through now. Made it a point to personally thank any veteran I came across. The sacrifices made for our great country too often go unnoticed except for criticism. We should all be thankful for what we have and for those who have made it so it is not taken away. As a special treat I was given the opportunity to drive a Half track off road. 17 tons of armor...that was really cool. Gotta run, off to see a parade and pay respects, then to Limerock to watch some racing.

Stu

Stu ... thanks for share your story. But, there is no such thing as a "former" or "x" Marine. Its an eternal brand that one wears down into their DNA.

Semper Fi.
Steve

 

[SYCO GT]

Thank you for sharing the memory Hal. I love photography, but your words here are much more powerful and respectful than a photo could have been.

Commend you for doing the right thing and going beyond the moment.

 

[MorningFlight]

Commend you for doing the right thing and going beyond the moment.

Thank you for that!

 

[t32b]

Your message paints a better image than the photo ever could Hal.
Here's hoping that we all continue to realize the brilliance of our founders, the value and values of our society, and the efforts of the many who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve it all.

 

[PeakCompletions]

Over 1000 bikes gathered this morning at the VietNam memorial in our town. In convoy, two by two, we were escorted down the interstate, through the center of Midland, and then 40 miles down the I-20 to the VA Hospital and Memorial in Big Spring Texas. It was unbelievable.

Every overpass had a crowd of people, with huge American Flags waving in the breeze.

All the streets in town were lined with supporters, many of them Vets who saluted as we went by.

This was an incredibly moving experience.

My Chopper is painted like a WWII P-40 Fighter Plane and gathered a bunch of attention from the "Old Timers".

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED AND ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY!