Memorial Day 2006 by frogdot
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Every year I do an image to honor all those that have died in the service of their country. This year I planned on using the image that is the thumbnail. In searching for a proper display of the Fallen Soldier tribute (boots, helmet, dogtags & gun) I came across so many simple and touching tribute sites because of the Iraq War. Some by a family to their son, or daughter. One by a city to their fallen heroes and several groups and states honoring locals or all the Soldiers and Marines and Airmen that have died.
When I made the single tribute, I thought I might put several in the background. Then I wondered, how about 2450? That's how many Americans have lost their lives in this War in Iraq. Whatever your opinions, or beliefs, that is just too many. In my opinion, the "War in Iraq" is a completely different conflict and cause than the "War on Terrorism" although we hear that they are supposed to be the same. That said, I honor those that have died in Afghanistan, as much as those in Iraq.
A moment of startling realization came when I made a row of 25 2d images of the tribute object. I then set up the multireplication to go 97 more rows into the distance. When I clicked "OK", there was a pause and then suddenly there were 2,450 symbols, each one, representing a young human life cut down before it should have been. Each of those lives had family and friends and a future. It was as if, by the press of a button, I saw 2450 lives lost all at once. I wish I could press a multirep button and make them all come back. The media likes to give out daily bodycounts as if it were a sports score. They make it meaningless.
Memorial Day is to honor ALL the heroes that have fallen in ALL wars, not just this current one. But, looking past all the talking heads and the spewing politicians and protesters, the sad fact is, there are, as of today, 2450 additional men and women, who were just doing their job serving their country and they are not coming back and that's a damn shame!
Comments (24)
Wow. Great visual, excellent narrative.
It is a shame. The whole thing is a complicated mess. But I, like you honor and respect those that are paying the price. And wish them all godspeed. Another fitting trib pic from you Dave. Thanks, from the son of a WWII vet.
Great thoughts! That's the stupid thing with wars... in the end, there is no winner - only sadness and loss of loved ones. Worst is that it seems the ones sitting on top never have to get over such a loss - perhaps if they had to, too, they would stop such stupid and senseless wars..
Having spent 30+ years in the Navy, it is good to see others remeber the fallen
this is a most powerful image. how i wish there were no more wars in the world. well done.
Peace on earth..please.
Really a powerful image!!!!!!Great done!!!bravo!V:DDD.Hugsxx
Nice dedication, I supported the war at first but now I think Bush and Blair dropped the ball! They "should" have concentrated on getting the real villain, Osama Bin Bag!!!
Powerful visual statement. Have to disagree about "The media likes to give out daily bodycounts as if it were a sports score. They make it meaningless." If we didn't hear about the cost of war from the media, where would we hear it? There are those that would be happy for us not to hear those numbers. The same ones who won't even let the media photograph the coffins. I like the idea that someone is counting the cost. I have an 88 year-old father who served in France and Germany in WWII. I am grateful for his survival and the sacrifice of so many for our freedom. A vote here, too.
Thank YOU for remembering.
most excellent dave well done
Fitting tribute, those who wage wars do not know the cost.
Excellent image'Dont want to make this a political issue but the media tell us very little of whats actually happening In Iraq and Afghanistan'Innocent women and children are dying every day' Blaire and Bush did this for oil simple as that.........Nice Image
Your tribute is well meant, and your sentiments are honourable, but let us also not forget the tens of thousands, or is it hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis, including women and children, who have died in this wretched conflict; many of them killed by American and British bombs. I guess the individual symbols, which might include a child's doll and a lady's shopping bag hung perhaps on a broomstick, would replicate far into the distant background. I beleive their collective name to be "collateral damage"
Well done, well said. (=
well done, mate.
.damn.
echo from a vet of another war...".damn."
brilliant...!!
A very moving and sobering image. I agree with all the sentiments above about our fallen beloved, but I also agree with WeeLaddie that innocent Iraqis have suffered even more. War is an abomination!!!
Very cool image Dave. More unfortunate, than the soldiers lost, are the families left behind. Wives, (husbands) parents and kids who have lost their loved ones. It's harder being the survivor.. I know!!! War is insane and there are no winners, only the lesser of losers. Anyway, super image and wonderful memorial. I'm a war vet and made it home in one piece. As a vietnam soldier, I was lucky not getting egged on my return home. Fickle folks I guess. Best to ya from another Dave :^)
A heartfelt image for certain. Here's wishing the powers that be start learning from history so the lesson need never be repeated. Peace to all.
Having been in the military myself and having a number of friends, including my best friend, to a tour in Iraq, I greatly appreciate this image. Thank you from me and from them and from the those that paid the ultimate price. "He's not heavy, he's my brother."
Well done.