Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Notes from Washington

Nothing like being unfashionably late to a party.  

Yes, I realize it's been nearly two months since I last made an appearance in Blogville.
 I'm not really back yet, either.

I just wanted to drop by before it was too late to join
 the Note Card Party at 

My cards this month might more rightly be called  post cards.  They were taken during an adventure in Washington D.C.  Per Vee's new rules, I was allowed to use a few photographs which haven't been shared before.  The new ones were taken at the war memorials on the Washington mall.

This one is haunting, isn't it?


I thought about trying to crop the tourists out of the this next one, but it seems to me that there has been more than enough of that tourist cropping going on in Washington these days.

Some folks are pretty uptight about all that.

In fact, some  are more than uptight. They are downright angry that anyone would deny veterans the right to visit a memorial that was not only built for them, but by them, one battlefield at a time.



Maybe you're one of the angry ones.  
That's OK, I'm pretty ticked off too.  

But if you are, I have a question for you:



Before the veterans were shut out, 
did you know they were brought in?

Well, now you do. 

And now that you do, what are you prepared to do about it?

Those veterans, you see, are actually transported to Washington through the efforts of private citizens in a program called Honor Flight. It isn't a government program. If it were, don't you think the whole trip would have been shut down?  

Yeah, I think so too.

Let's face it.  It's easy to get angry. It's even easier to join arms with other angry people and call it righteous anger. Trust me, I'm well practiced at that.  What isn't always easy is putting our money where our mouth is. 



Here's the thing: When the smoke clears and all the silly barricades have been taken down...and the talking heads are talking about something else... and we the people have found some new cause to champion... 

There will still be veterans who want to visit their memorial in Washington, DC. 
The only  barricade standing in their way is the money to get there.  


I encourage you, friends, to click THIS LINK and read all about the Honor Flights.  I hope that you stay long enough to find out how to donate your time and resources to give our honored veterans a tangible gift of gratitude for their sacrifice and service.  If we're really passionate about the soldier's right to see his memorial, let's go the extra mile and pay his way to get there.

Unless, of course, the anger really had nothing to do with the veterans at all.


51 comments:

Lorrie said...

These are thought-provoking images. I've never been to this memorial, but the figures of the soldiers are so life-like, and as you say, ghostly, as if visitors from the past to remind us of sacrifice and honor and freedom.

Vee said...

Now I have wondered in spite of knowing of a few veterans who have participated or will be this week. Thank you for the information. The timing seems very interesting I must say.

I've not visited this memorial, but I would certainly like to. I will be glad of a return to a better Washington D.C. Indeed, I have been very dismayed this week. I think it was the sniper that did me in. To think of a sniper above our precious Vets reduced me to tears and does every single time I think about it. Ackkk!

Off to follow your link. Again, thank you.

Gaby said...

I was there a few years ago and it was a touching visit. I actually just became aware of that program because in the Greenville airport exit there is a sign for Honor Flight and I asked my husband. Thank you for posting the link.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Well said, Debbie, and I love Honor Flight. Our DAR group just sent a vet to DC. It is a fabulous cause!

So glad to see this.

Love you,

Sheila... Who got a good report from the knee doctor! PTL

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Beautifully written, dear Debbie! I do know about the Honor Flight as my hairdresser accompanied her own dear Dad on one of their trips. What a wonderful program. Thank you for the link. Loved your photos, too. xo

Sharon said...

Glad to see that your appearance in Blog Land included a soap box. Your post was well-said, as always, and very thought-provoking. Angry words do not often lead to helpful action. But I thought you offered a very tangible way to make good things happen.

And it was very nice to see the memorials. Yes, they are haunting - but I think that's appropriate. We should be haunted by the massive loss of life that occurs when *power struggles* rear their ugly heads.

Our hearts should motivate us...

GOD BLESS.

ellen b said...

It is quite a task to try to get tourists out of good shots of memorials in D.C. As far as D.C. goes...
It's easy to get on the "angry wagon" You have a fair challenge to consider.
At this old house we have a new found perspective on everything since our Son in Law (a Marine) is deployed in Afghanistan for the second time and is there right now...

Anonymous said...

What you said, Debbie. What you said.
Great shots. So glad to read a post by you!

camp and cottage living said...

I am very familar with the Honor Flights, as my father went two summers ago. My brother did a video of the whole ceremony and let me tell you it was moving.
My father was so touched and proud to have been part of such a special tribute.
My Dad just died last December and we are all so glad he was able to go before he passed.
Thank you for sharing this very important information!

Denise said...

Great thought provoking post to honor our wonderful veterans. I have heard of the group but appreciated the link. Wouldn't you love our family to sponsor a vet?

So happy to see a post from you!!!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I so miss your eloquent touching way with the written word. First I must say you are one powerful women, it appears once they read this post the government was back in business and your daughter is once again getting paid. I am aware of the Honor Flight, my daughter in laws grandfather was scheduled to go, but unfortunately passed away before the flight....Time is of the essence for our aging veterans.

Carol

Thoughts on Life and Millinery. said...

Awesome 5 star post!
My Dad will be on an Honor Flight with 70 vets out of San Diego. He will fly out to DC this coming Friday, tour on Saturday and fly back home on Sunday. He will be 90 years old in a few weeks.
I am amazed at this Honor Flight program and hope others will channel their anger into a constructive donation to the program.

Your photos gave me chills....excellent work!

Lynn said...

I agree with you about the first pic being haunting... It truly speaks to me.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

First, it's sooooo good to see you back in blogville, no matter how long you stay.

Second, your photos are, indeed, haunting. Seeing it in person is haunting, as well.

Third, I'm glad you included a link. I've never heard of such and will happily support this cause.

Fourth (Ha!) Don't stay gone too long!

Pamela Gordon said...

Your note card photos are very interesting and thought provoking.

Gayle said...

I'm glad you're back, even if you can't stay. Loved the photos. DC is a great place to visit, for those of us who love history.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

What a moving and emotional memorial this is for soldiers. The life-like statues are indeed haunting, but then nothing about war is not.
I'm glad you figured out what my one photo was, they can be hard to see at the size I can post with.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Oh so glad to see you here again... pleasse stay!

Moving tribute Debbie, and I am heading over to check out the site.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY (nod to DD) to see you today!

xo

Sue said...

What a wonderful post, today is my day to get educated on worthwhile causes, I just watched a documentary about the chocolate industry on another blog and now have to eat or throw out my chocolate chips etc.
I will add this cause to my list, what a wonderful way to honor our veterans.
{and it's nice to see a post from you!}

Saleslady371 said...

What a great post. I think anger often motivates people to do good things. I like the photos, postcards for sure.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I am so happy to see you here, Debbie. These are wonderful photos, and great thoughts.

I didn't know about the honor flights. I am going to look up some information.

Thank you for sharing these photos with us.

Deanna

Barbara F. said...

This is a powerful post, Debbie. And even more powerful photos. I will check out that link. xo

Angel said...

My heart skipped a beat when I saw a post pop up from you, Debbie!

As usual you hit the nail on the head with this one. So you may say you're not back, but I say you are. Because you have a gift for words and they need to get out one way or the other, right? :)

Hope to see another post pop up soon!

Beth said...

Great notecards. My favorite is the tomb of the unknown soldier.

Chatty Crone said...

Well said - we need to here to speak up. I have heard about the Honor Flights. And while there are a lot of bad things going on - there are still a lot of good people out there.

Love, sandie

Sue said...

Great to hear your voice back in blogland Debbie, you have been and are missed so much. I don't think to many people know about this program, thank you for the reminder and the link.
I love these photos, such a great reminder of what a price that was, and is still being paid for us to enjoy the freedoms here in the USA. once again thank you for reminding us of what is important!
Hugs,
Sue

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

So happy to see a post from you. I especially enjoy your "deep" subjects. You seem to speak what I'm thinking. I'm so weary of all that is going on in Washington.

Thanks for your comment. I would have loved seeing what you wanted to do with white and gold! Did you see there were several!

Katherine

Donna said...

These are beautiful and that last photo takes my breath away. Yes, I am angry too at the huge disrespect that was shown our veterans. I am familiar with the Honor Flights and have contributed. I know several photographers that donate their time and skills to record the event for our cherished patriots too. I'd like to go back to DC sometime to visit. There have been so many changes since I was last there. But I'll wait until a new administration takes over before even contemplating such a trip.

Carol said...

I loved seeing your photos of DC. I also enjoyed reading your thoughts about our wonderful Veterans.

Smiles,
Carol

elizabeth said...

A great post with a well made point! Now, please don't stay away from blogging too long. We miss you! I miss you!

Poppy said...

Hi Debbie,

Such a pleasure to meet you!

I have made myself at home and have taken the liberty of walking around your beautiful and articulate posts, getting to know the woman behind the wise, witty and wonderful words! Enjoyed your thoughts on sisters, the Duchess and your talented mother-in-law, as well as Ms. Winfrey's latest media murmur and of course, this very timely post today.

Thanks for the very important information, as I was not aware of the Honor Flight, (don't know if we have such a program in Canada, but we should!) and for the hauntingly moving photos.

Glad you decided to return to the great BIG blogosphere! The more I discover blogs like yours, the more it feels like a cozy bloggerhood!

Your newest neighbour and follower,

Poppy

Tanna said...

IMAGINE my delight when I saw your new blog post!! Then the gripping of emotion when I saw the photos and read your words. I saw those memorials for the first time 13 years ago. I was there with a group of running friends for the Marine Corp Marathon. My main purpose was to "help" my long time running,Viet Nam Veteran friend's wife finish the marathon. I was blessed to see these memorials for the first time accompanying them. There were a lot of tears... a lot of sobs... and I prayed a lot of healing for him. The memorial of the nurse holding the soldier brought me to my knees. Both Bob and I are nurses. He had served as a medic for the Marines. ALL of the memorials should be visited by ALL Americans... to appreciate in some small way the sacrifices that have been and are made daily for our freedoms. And, every veteran needs the opportunity to go. I cannot wait until the Little Men are old enough to understand. Thank you so much for the link, Debbie. And, yep, it was worth the wait. ;) blessings and hugs ~ tanna

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I am here..smiling from ear to ear with a small tear in my eyes...go girl!!!!
These pictures are just wonderful...so moving. I have never been to Washington. The words...well they are yours and powerful as always!!!

Anonymous said...

Delightful to see you back in Blogland, milady - you have been missed. Excellent selection of photos from the war memorials - and a convicting word, too. My heart is in a constant state of grief and hope - surely the Lord comes soon. Meantime - we press on as salt and light and keep the Standard flying high for those who will see - to see. Thanks for your encouraging words about my new digs at WP and Etsy. After ten years, I STOPPED - and have turned a corner - new road and challenges ahead as I re-create myself for a fresh season. Trusting at a whole new level - God is good. Look forward to more yakking on your end, mi'dear.
Joy!
Kathy

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

It's so nice to see you in Blogland, Debbie -- and posting about such a worthy cause! I'm surprised how many of the previous commenters hadn't heard of Honor Flight. So glad you thought to mention it along with your hauntingly beautiful pics.

Red Couch Recipes said...

Hi Debbie, I am glad you are back even temporarily. I am a proud daughter of a WWII Purple Heart Veteran who served for 5 years. I saw the Korean War Monument this year -- very different, and I would say engaging. I had heard of Honor Flight before. What a worthy cause. Joni

Renée said...

Honor Flight is new to me and thanks for taking a negative and turning it into a positive, the blogging world needs more of you!

Sally @DrinkingFromMySaucer said...

I haven't been to this memorial. It's quite moving. Must be something in person!! Thanks for sharing.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Wow! When you decide to come back, you REALLY come back! This is so powerful-the photos and the commentary. I've missed this so much - your insight, your take on life, and your wonderful way of putting it into words and making it so clear for the rest of us. Absolutely amazing post! All I can is a very humble thank you. laurie

Anonymous said...

So good to see you back. Beautiful words and images. My husband served with the departure and arrival back home for one of the Honor Flights and he said it was an incredible experience. Such a great program. Good for you! Loved it. -Dawn @ We Call It Junkin.com

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

This is such a good post -- motivational, informative, and challenging. I agree with the other women that these photos are indeed haunting, and they should be.

Thank you for providing the link about the Flight of Honor; our local television news station sponsored two of those flights last year -- SUCH a worthwhile cause. It is sad to realize how few of these heroic men and women veterans are left to see the memorial dedicated to their sacrifices. I hope they will ALL have a chance to visit this monument if they wish to do so.

It's great to see a blog post from you, Debbie!! I hope you come back soon!

Hugs,

Denise

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Didn't know you were back until I saw your blog highlighted on Dayle's sidebar. (I subscribe to WoW via E-mail but have not received it yet. Odd?).

SOO glad to read your voice again, loud and clear. And I can't wait to visit this Memorial. Loved the images that would make great postcards!

My favorite WW II vet just celebrated his 90th birthday. He married us in 1981. He tells the stories of seeing blood run down the streets here in Manila and of coming upon an American soldier, still alive, whose flesh had been "slabbed" off his back and eaten by starving Japanese fighters.

Manila possesses the largest overseas American military cemetery in the world. I've seen the crosses and the names of the missing etched in marble. I live in a country that would not be free today if it had not been for America's eterans. We owe them. We owe them all.

Thanks for this authentic post.
Kelley~

no spring chicken said...

Well done Debbie! Your soapbox was pleasantly received while viewing your fabulous 'postcards'. Not only do I enjoy what you write... I agree with (most :) everything you say. I agree. Now I'm going to click a link!

Blessings, Debbie

Kathleen said...

Loved this thought provoking post! I have a flyer from Honor Flights on my counter now. I urge any readers who live near airports to look into it. Even if you can't afford the honor flight itself, you can be on the welcome comm when they get back.
Good to see you, Deb, I thought you would show up at the white challenge. I think yo will like next month's.

Terra said...

Your photos show the sculptures to be very haunting. How nobly so many fought and died for us, and are still fighting as our President decrees. Sad to think of American soldiers dieing in Afghanistan, etc.
Thanks for the link to Honor Flights.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh my eyes are filled with tears. I love this organization. We owe everything to our Veterans.

Savannah Granny said...

Awesome, I watched our veterans being shut out of THEIR memorial with disgust.
We have several military posts within a hour of our home and many veterans retire here. We have had several honor flight originate from Savannah. Wonderful cause.
have a blessed week, Ginger

Barbara Neubeck said...

..Debbie, welcome back...
I haven't heard about the Veterans Memorial and the problems there. I'm in Australia and don't keep up with overseas news...
Your photos are very touching and haunting...
Hugs and Blessings
Barb xx

corners of my life said...

Amazing photos that capture the inspiration intended . . .

Sharlotte said...

I didn't know about this organization but will head over there. Thanks for posting.
I haven't been to this memorial either. Your pictures are great, I'm sure this was a moving experience.
Glad to hear from you...don't stay away too long, we all miss you!

Jacqueline said...

What a beautiful and heart touching memorial. I had never heard of the Honor Flights. How wonderful. Thanks for this lovely post.

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