This week look deeper through the lens to the story your photo captures and then process it to one color! Or be daring and shoot in B&W (monochrome).
I love how black and white looks - like Sally said there is no color to distract you from the story found in the picture. I thought this week's photo shoot would be fun, but the weather has not been cooperative - cold and overcast out. Plus this week I was feeling very blah. I was thinking about the military a lot and missing my friends and time I spent in (though I have no desire to re-join) I was just missing the camaraderie.
So, I thought I would go to the American Legion (a few miles down the road from mom's house) and take pictures of the memorial wall they have with bricks with service members name on them. I love that they have a wall for those who have served in the Lafayette area. I really need to talk to my cousins and see about having a brick for my gramps and I need to talk to my brother about getting one for my dad.
What I would love to know is the stories behind each of those bricks. What each of those people did during their time in the service: where were they stationed; what was their job; why did they join; how they felt while they were in and how they felt when they got out (did they feel as lost as I did when I got out). There are so many stories and I would love to know them. I am lucky enough to have the letters my gramps wrote while he was in the South Pacific. I really wish I could have got my other grandpa to talk of his time in the European Theater but he wouldn't. He said it was over with and didn't want to think about it. Those lost stories we will never know - how tragic!
Okay - enough of being depressing (sorry). This is what I took pictures of this week and played in Pixlr.
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| Memorial Wall |
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| Mom bought a brick for me and my grandpa (her dad) I love how we are together on the wall |
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| My Uncle Gerald - KIA during WWII |
Wow .. those are powerful photos. I love how the last one turned out.
ReplyDeleteA very touching and heartfelt post, Beth. What sacrifices have been given by those in the military.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was silent about his time in Europe during WWII also. Am sure it was hard on many of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special wall for you and your family. It was a great choice for monochrome and each effect does it justice! My dad did two tours in Viet Nam and to this day won't talk about it. I guess that is the only way some can deal with what they went through.
ReplyDeleteOh, Beth - a heartwarming story. Yes, it might be a bit sad, but I find life needs these moments, we need them, to be able to appreciate the everyday moments at their true value.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather fought in WWII on both fronts (against the allies, while we were under the German occupation; and then *with* the allies, after the royal coup) and he would not talk about those times either. I understand why, but, like you, I am sad that so many memories have been lost.
Thank you for sharing - the pictures, the memories. And thank you for your service too!
I love your choice of subject, so perfect for the monochrome theme.
ReplyDeletewhat a thoughtful post this week! it is so important to remember those that gave the most precious gift for us all to be free.
ReplyDeleteThere is a world of stories there. On any commemorative wall. And I think something like this is best shot in black and white
ReplyDeleteperhaps it's the stark contrast of the picture, but your post had me thinking. this wall so orderly, just like uniforms, just like how I imagine the military. In contrast to all this order I love all your questions, your wondering, pondering what were all these paths like. Very interesting
ReplyDeleteYour post and pictures of the memory wall are thought provoking. My Dad was in WWII and he wrote some of his memories which I am very thankful for - as hard as it was for him to write. It is good to know and remember what they went through.
ReplyDeletei think this is a wonderful tribute, and the images have more power in b&w...
ReplyDeleteNot depressing at all to celebrate a time in one's life and those who dedicated their lives to our country. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! I am sorry you are feeling blue. But, I do love your shots. The wall in sepia is wonderful. Hope today rocks. :)
ReplyDeleteA very touching post. I hope your visit helped chase your blues away.
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos! My dad was in WWII,...D-Day+1 and 7 other major battles in Europe and when I would ask him he would say, "War is not for little girls". I too always wonder what each person's story is when I see a Memorial Wall like this. Tomorrow I'm doing the "Honor Walk" with my son,...to honor ALL who have served in any branch and I will think of your post as I walk.
ReplyDeleteRemembrance is so important - thank you for sharing some of yours. My grandfather was in the trenches in Northern Africa and refused to talk about it, too. I think what they lived through was too large, too much, to be easily encompassed in stories.
ReplyDeleteWow - what a great thing to photograph!
ReplyDelete(no. 43 this week)
Great pictures - what a proud history of service your family has - thank you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures...and such a story of your family. I love visiting memorial walls and wondering about the people. I understand war....but...we loose so many people, usually in their prime! thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteOh my - what beautiful, meaningful images.
ReplyDelete(((Hugs))) beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! This was a wonderful idea to photograph.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very neat memory, Beth! It reminds me of the wall in Washington, DC. Very cool pictures.
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