On This Memorial Day - A Look Back | northern California photographer
A Memorial Day Reflection
Every year, as May draws to a close and summer unofficially begins, Americans across the country take pause on Memorial Day. While the long weekend often brings barbecues, road trips, and family gatherings, at its heart, this day serves a much deeper purpose — one of remembrance, gratitude, and solemn reflection.
More Than a Day Off
While it’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of a three-day weekend, it’s important to remember that Memorial Day is not a celebration, but a commemoration. It's a day to visit cemeteries and memorials, to participate in moments of silence, and to fly the flag at half-staff until noon in honor of those who have fallen.
Visiting Our Nation’s Capitol
I knew as soon as we planned to visit Washington, DC in 2017, that I wanted to go to Arlington National Cemetery. So, it was our first destination upon our arrival. And, I was not disappointed. In fact, I found the grounds, the headstones, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to all be beyond my expectations. Watching the Honor Guard sentinels and the changing of the guards, knowing this occurs 24-7-365, is sort of hard to wrap my head around. Every day. All weather. No matter what. It was quite a poignant sight. But I was also in awe of their precision, the way they held their arms (not the guns, although that was precise, too), torso, the cadence of their steps. All of it absolutely precise. What an honor to be selected for this elite job.
The other surprising thing I saw were the grave sites of Robert and Edward Kennedy. They were quite simple, even modest. If you ever have the opportunity to explore the Arlington National Cemetery, do not miss your chance.
How fortunate we were to visit onVeteran’s Day 2017.
24-7-365 Never Forget
I took the above two photos minutes apart of two different passes. You can see how precise their movements are when comparing these two images. The only difference is my perspective. I got much lower for the second image.
Though words can never fully repay the debt we owe, remembering the fallen and recognizing their sacrifice is the least we can do. This Memorial Day, let's take time to reflect not just on what we have, but on the cost paid by others so we could have it.
To the heroes we’ve lost — we remember you. We honor you. And we thank you.
To those of you reading this, have an enjoyable day of remembering.
*****
All images are available for purchase.
Please CONTACT ME at nadeen@nadeenflynn.com to purchase prints or schedule your mentoring session.
Nadeen Flynn is an award winning northern California portrait and fine art photographer. Living in the greater Sacramento area, she specializes in fine art landscape,nature, and still life photography. Nadeen’s style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. This retains the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She offers in-person workshops and mentoring. Currently living in rural northern California with her husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, she is a proud owner of Canon photography equipment.
Currently booking mentoring sessions and workshops. Locations include Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Roseville, Rocklin, and Sacramento areas.
(530) 633-7575
My visit to the Columbia River Gorge a few years ago.