Honor Flight

The World War II Memorial in Washington DC took a very long time and lots of commitment to finally finish.  Unfortunately, that means many of the folks it honors, are in poor health or otherwise may have trouble getting to see it on their own.

To help assist in this endeavor, Honor Flight was born.  I learned about it from one of my co-workers who regularly helps out on these trips.  In our area, Southwest Airlines will charter a flight solely for this purpose and take the veterans and helpers to and from the city to DC and back in the same day. 

To raise money to keep the program going, this partial miniature replica was built.  It was built on a trailer, so it can be moved around and used in parades.  It is quite impressive on its own.

 

It is always touching to see how these flights are received when they land at the airport in DC and then again when they come home.  I love that the news media continues to show us these flights, because it is very meaningful to the people involved and their families.

If you look closely, you will see the "Kilroy is here" engraving, just like on the real memorial.

If you are interested in seeing the memorial, or helping out with Honor Flights in your part of the U.S., click on the links above for more information.

M.E.

Black and White Wednesday

Another shot from the weekend events, a natural black and white photo of the flags.

(Okay, there is a hint of color in the one flag, I just didn't have the heart to edit it out).

The clouds came over before a colorful sunset, but the silhouette was moving all the same. 

I took this with the lens facing west and into the remaining sun.  I also lowered myself and the camera to shoot upward.  I have to admit, it took a few tries to get both the look I wanted and a photo without people walking by!  There are certainly some bonus challenges to shooting in real life and not a studio.

I'm hoping to get to a park full of roses tomorrow.  The weekend events and 90 degree temps slowed me down a little. I can't wait to see what kind of blooms I find this year.

M.E.

We Remember

There is a flag display in a nearby town.  There are hundreds, maybe thousands of flags.  Each has a tag attached honoring a current service member or remembering one lost in war.  I took many photos, but for today I just wanted to share a few important ones.

I don't know who these folks were, but I do know how important it is to remember them and their families.

This display is put together by several community groups.  They hand place every flag on Friday and pick them each up on Monday afternoon, to be returned to the sponsoring families.  They have volunteers standing by to help you find a specific flag or just to answer questions, around the clock.

There are flood lights for night viewing and to see the 9-11 display, also new for this year.


It was very important to these groups that every single flag had a Made in the USA label.  There is a flag store nearby that makes them for each event.

Live a life worth dying for...

 M.E.

Bring on the weekend

I'm hoping the weather folks are right and we get some of the weekend with no rain.  The cities and towns around here do Memorial Day weekend very well.  I have a list of places and events I hope to see and of course, I will take the camera!

Here's a spring flag photo to start the weekend off.  I used another Kim Klassen texture to participate in Weekend Texture Twist over at Life-n-Reflection.  Do stop by if you have a minute, tons of talent over there!

M.E.