Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankful For Freedom



This is an "ugly" series but an important one. I wish I knew the story behind this field of flags. One of my students told me about it, saying that a farmer was placing a flag in the ground for every American soldier that is killed in Iraq. Topping 4,000 soldiers killed is unreal. It doesn't seem possible that the war has been occurring this long. Big political movements are coming, people's opinions are strong and mixed and the American people are calling for "change"....all that is fine and is what Freedom of Speech and elections are all about. Today I want to remember to be thankful to those who have already sacrificed their lives to protect me and my country. Thousands of others are sacrificing time away from their families on this Thanksgiving Day so that I can enjoy another safe holiday, removed from war, poverty and danger. Thank you to all of you brave men and women. Thank you to the brave young children who come to understand that Mommy and/or Daddy need to be gone for a while to protect their future. Thank you to all the parents and loved ones of soldiers who worry and care for their families in the soldiers' absence from home. I send good thoughts to all of you reading this posting. Happy Thanksgiving!



6 comments:

Linda said...

Well, of course, my sentiments match yours. What a great post for Thanksgiving day.

trishalyn said...

Thank you, Steve, for such a wonderful post on this day of giving thanks. I first learned of this field a couple of years ago. I was taking a photography course through Empire State College, and one of my classmates posted an image of this field. Then I found it myself on the way to a meeting in Saratoga. Ever since, I've wanted to stop and photograph it, but never did. It's really an amazing sight to see. Thanks for sharing, Steve...and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Uncle Steve...nice job!

philmary said...

Steve you have always led the way in personal expression.

I am thankful for your feverent adhearence to believing in yourself

J.L.Velez said...

This is a very powerful post. I remember a day once when I was in grad school and they had covered one of the quads with flags and read the names of those who had died aloud. It lasted all day with different readers coming each half hour or so. I was really glad you captured this pic, especially on thanksgiving!

Bridget said...

very moving writing and pictures.
it is good to be reminded of the sacrifices others make for the freedoms we often take for granted.
thank you