Old Veteran, Memorial Day 2005 by TomDart
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This gentleman was leaving the cemetary on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005 in the USA. This holiday is to remember soldiers, dead and living, while recogizing that some gave their all.
Agreed, some wars like Viet Nam should never have been fought. Still, the men and women who did their duty do need remembrance and respect overall.
Established soon after the great Civil War in the USA in the later 1800's, the holiday was called "Decoration Day" for graves. Since changed to Memorial Day, soldiers from that horrible civil war and other wars since are remembered by a few who take the time to do so.
This man was leaving the events. I see memories in his gait and eyes. Those are memories I do not want to live. Yet, I do thank him. TomDart.
Image as from digital camera, cropped, border added. f/6.3, 1/640 sec, 165mm(35mm equivalent), ISO 200. No sharpening used, "soft" image.

Comments (13)
moves me now just as it did when i saw in the forum. i see such sorrow in his expression. almost looks like he might be praying. we don't honor our veterns enough. thank you for this memorial. as i've been looking, i stopped to pray for peace in the hearts of those soldiers and vets still wrestling with the horrors they've seen, as well as for the families of those who have lost friends and loved ones. i appreciate this image a lot. and i thank him too.
It's a fine Image Tom :]
He seen more than most of us should, and you illustrate that well here. A worthy commemorative to soldiers everywhere, dead and living. I really like his Member Only jacket too -- fittng somehow. :)
Very touching photo, Tom. The emotions running thru this man are intense; I can see it so clearly. So sad what these men had to live through .... bless his heart. And yours.
Happy to see this one in ur gallery where it belongs Tom! A truly beautiful and moving capture! :)
you know how much i liked this one... heartfelt...:]
Beautiful work Thomas, very touching and so full of emotion !!! Superb !! :o)
capturing the moment .. beautiful tribute. :)..
Spare a moment for those who witnessed such things, another for those who gave their lives, and one more for families who had to endure their loss. The old saying is true, "Freedom isn't free." Thank you for this fine and fitting tribute to the women and men who have sacrificed to secure the blessings of liberty for us. This is a wonderful image and it touched my heart. Blessings!
Nice background!!We all love america for this vital background...
Thank you, sir, for your efforts! and thank you, sir, for the image. Well-captured.
you captured a perfect moment showing his thoughtful expression and pose! excellent capture! ;o)
Very meaningful picture! Bravo!