Picture of the Day - September 28, 2009

Fort Sam Houston Military Cemetery

Photo courtesy of Lauren Blackwell.                 (Click on the photo for a larger view) "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."     --(John 15:13) If you love this great country as much as I do, there are probably few scenes that evoke as much emotion as a military cemetery. Nowhere else on the planet can one find a more powerful symbol of just what it takes to keep this great country free than in the midst of thousands of white tombstones marking the graves of our fallen heroes. Photographer Lauren Blackwell captured this dramatic image just a few days ago, and here is her very moving story behind it: "This was shot on a September evening at Fort Sam Houston Military Cemetery in San Antonio. I had just attended an evening church service and was driving home when I noticed the dramatic skies. I had seen them earlier in the day and knew they would provide great shots in the evening--but I was very tired and wanted to go home. Driving up the highway, I realized I could not ignore the sky--on one side of me were dark clouds with pouring rain; on the opposite were rapidly building storm clouds with pink skies; directly in front was a large rainbow. I tried rapidly to think of a place to go and shoot, hoping to catch the rainbow. I turned east on the inner loop, not exactly sure where to go as I don't frequent that side of the city. I left the highway and found myself on the road towards Fort Sam Houston. The sign for the military cemetery suddenly gave me my direction! I drove in the gates to find I was alone in the cemetery--well, I was not alone at all. I was surrounded by heroes and I knew God had led me to this place. I spent as much time reading names and thinking about our history as I did taking pictures. As a retired veteran, I felt a peace there among my comrades-in-arms, at least one of whom is buried there."   --Lauren Blackwell   Visitor Comments... Name: Eric Garrett Town: New York, NY I too stand in awe every time I visit a military cemetery. These folks deserve to be respected and remembered.     Name: Ruth Jennings Town: Lawton, OK Very moving. Nice perspective Ms. Blackwell.     Name: Juanita L. Ruffner Town: Negley, OH Very moving story! It was meant to be for you being there...Excellent capture, Lauren.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Excellent photo today Lauren! I am humbled anytime I see a photo like this, to think of all of the young men and women who have given their all for our freedom. My daughters boyfriend leaves today for Qatar. He is an airplane mechanic in the Air force. While where he is going is relatively safe, you just never know. Anyway, back to your photo, you did an excellent job composing this photo! I love the sky and the trees. Do I detect a hint of HDR work here? If so, I think it is incredibly well done! I look forward to more of you photos here. Thanks for sharing this one!     Name: Gordon Brugman Town: Gatlinburg, TN A sobering, beautiful and emotion-filled image. Thanks for sharing it with us, Lauren.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"