11/11/2022
I have struggled with what photo to use for the photograph of the day on this particular holiday, and I probably should apologize for using a photo that has already appeared as the photograph of the day, although it was with a different edit. I realize I could have and should have used a more patriotic themed photo for this day. It isn't like I don't already have a variety of flag shots I could have used for this space. But that isn't what this day or this post is about to me. From the moment I snapped this photo and saw just how well I had captured what I saw that day, it has become one of my most favorite yet most haunting photos I have ever taken. When you look at this photo, tell me, what do you see? Most of you would tell me that you see an empty bench overlooking a lake. Let me tell you what I see. I see a the outline of a young father sitting on that bench teaching his young son how to fish. I see a grandfather with his grandchild again teaching them how to fish. I see an aging father with his grown son sharing time together enjoying something they both love. I see brother, friends on that bench spending time in conversation while fishing. I imagine in many of those scenes that have taken place numerous times throughout the years, some of the people I imagined were veterans. They served our country willingly and proudly. Sadly man of them who did return, did not return to us the way they left. Many of them still battle the images that fill their mind from their time served on foreign soil. Unfortunately proof of this fact is evidenced by the number veterans who choose to live on the streets or in the homeless shelters all across this great country they freely chose to serve and protect. Even more of them choose to end their life because of the battles they still face inside their own minds. My challenge for you today on this Veterans Day is this, when you look at this photo and the peaceful scene it depicts, may it prompt you to think about those who have served in your own life. May it prompt you to seek them out and thank them for their service. May it also encourage you to spend time them, listening to their stories and offering the a time of peace and serenity like is pictured in this photo. That is why I have chosen this as The Photograph Of Day for November 11th, 2022. May I say thank you to all of you have served. Thank you for the freedom I enjoy today. Your service is appreciated...
