“Honor”
Photo courtesy of Denise Boling. Click here for a larger view
When a veteran is laid to rest the family members typically experience a wide range of emotions. Of course there is always the overwhelming sense of loss that we all feel when a loved one passes away, but for those who are gathered at the graveside of a vet there is an added dimension as well. Even as tears of sadness freely flow from the misty eyes of grieving family and friends, there is also a strong sense of honor and respect for a person who sacrificed greatly in the service of our nation.
Freedom is far from free, and our brave men and women who put their lives on the line in order to defend it aren’t the only ones who pay the price. When Ole Glory is reverently folded and handed to a tearful loved one, those tears represent both the pain of losing someone who will be deeply missed and the immense honor due a fallen patriot.
When photographer Denise Boling submitted this photo for publication on Veterans Day, I initially struggled with the decision of whether I should use it or not since it depicts such a deeply personal event. But then a bit later I received a follow-up email from Ms. Boling informing me that the wonderful lady receiving the flag wished for the image to be published as a loving tribute to her husband, and after reading it I knew that I simply couldn’t not publish it. Here is the story behind the image as provided by the photographer:
So much captured in the click of a shutter…
The flag – Our beloved Stars and Stripes
The chaplain – Honoring a Marine’s service
The widow – Remembering her love
Grandchildren – Emotions on their hearts and faces
Sons – Stoic, strong, hearts broken
God’s Word – A map, a guide for his life
Thanks to Ann Lane for permission to publish this photo I took during the
graveside service for her beloved husband, Ricky Lane, who was a Vietnam
vet that came home to his wife. Together they raised a wonderful family.
What a blessing and inspiration Ricky was to all of us. –Denise Boling
Today, November 11, 2009 is Veterans Day. Let us all take a moment to thank our loved ones, friends, and neighbors who selflessly answered their nation’s call. And while we’re at it, lets thank the ones that kept the fires burning back at home while they were off in some faraway land doing their solemn duty.
Rick, I am glad that you published this photo. Ms. Boling, you have an exceptional photo here. It captures so much emotion in one frame! We owe so much to the fine men and women that have given their all for our country. Whether they come home to enjoy the rest of their lives with their families or they come home in a flag draped casket, we owe them our greatest respect. Thank you for sharing this photo with us today!!
Such a moving photograph. Thank you Mrs. Lane.
This is absolutely the most beautiful photo that I have seen. It brings tears to my eyes. It leaves my heart so thankful! Thank you for posting it!
Terri
Great, great photo. What a powerful reminder of the hardships that are borne in order to maintain our freedoms. May our fellow citizens give our vets the respect and honor they deserve on this special day – and EVERY day.
This is a wonderful tribute to a true hero and his family.
I need to stop crying now…This is the most moving photograph you have ever published Mr. Rouse.
Amen to all of the above.
Salute…and Thank You, Vets.
Thank you Ms. Boling for sending this picture in and thank you Mr. Rouse for publishing it today. As Phyllis Helton replied, “Amen to all the above”!!
A wonderful tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States, and who do so today. Whether they go in harm’s way or not, these men and women deserve our gratitude, for without them, we would not be the country we are today.
I still have the flag from my father’s funeral. He served in the Marines in WWII, and even though he died almost 60 years after the end of hostilities, the Marine honor guard acted like he’d won the Congressional Medal of Honor. It really is a moving experience, one that Ms. Boling has captured perfectly, and one that as a veteran myself, I deeply appreciate.
Ms. Boling, in this photo you have managed to capture a deeply personal and profoundly sad event in the most respectful manner possible. Nice job all around.