It is the picture of the Niland brothers, the two soldiers after whose death was created the film Saving Private Ryan. American National Cemetery was one of the single most poignantly powerful experiences I've ever had in my 81 years on this planet. The silence was deafening, even the waves on the shore seemed silenced. People spoke in whispered voices. Many small groups gathered around crosses or Stars of David, holding hands, some crying, though in muted tones. I felt so constrained as to taking their picture, so I didn't. I felt it would be intruding upon the holiness of their meeting with their loved one. Fortunately, the memories of those encounters still "light the corners of my mind." Misty though they be. Anthony
anthonysemone wrote:
It is the picture of the Niland brothers, the two soldiers after whose death was created the film Saving Private Ryan. American National Cemetery was one of the single most poignantly powerful experiences I've ever had in my 81 years on this planet. The silence was deafening, even the waves on the shore seemed silenced. People spoke in whispered voices. Many small groups gathered around crosses or Stars of David, holding hands, some crying, though in muted tones. I felt so constrained as to taking their picture, so I didn't. I felt it would be intruding upon the holiness of their meeting with their loved one. Fortunately, the memories of those encounters still "light the corners of my mind." Misty though they be. Anthony...Show more →
Related story - my time in the Army (1966-1968) was spent in Germany solely because my brother was already in Vietnam. I originally had orders for Cam Ranh Bay, but once alerted to where my brother was, they were re-cut for Germany.
Also, I had the privilege of visiting the American Cemetery in Normandy awhile back. Like you, it was a very powerful and moving experience.
I will bite (obviously a trolling comment) Over 2500 Americans died on D Day. 2500, think about that for a second and rethink your comment about "really look bad in the history books" comment.
I am guessing you never served in the military, right?
Sauseschritt wrote:
WW2 was already lost for Germany anyway when the USA finally decided to join in, so I dont really fully get the emotion some people have about this.
Basically the USA decided it would look really bad in the history books if they didnt participate at all.
@Sausceshritt (and others). I would appreciate it if you would direct your commentary/critique to the photos I and @FredAmico presented. I do NOT want this thread to be removed, and that would happen at my request if it devolves into political commentary as to WWII. If you want to create a thread for that, by all means, do so, but not on my and Fred's posts. Go to the Forum and Miscellaneous board and have at it. I'm sure you'll get whatever responsive commentary it is you desire.
Once again: if you care to respond with commentary or critique to the photos I and Fred have posted, do so, but only within the context of the photos. Take your German/American commentary elsewhere. Vielen Dank.
anthonysemone wrote:
.. if it devolves into political commentary as to WWII.
Your original post is already a politically charged statement, with it's reference to 'fundamental transformation agenda' (for anyone who doesn't catch the reference, just google it) and its implication that young people killing each other decades ago were somehow more worthy of veneration than young people today protesting discrimination.
I like the first image, it might be even more powerful in black and white.
Yo, Heron, Yes, that's the kind of political commentary I was expecting and it fully follows from what I intended with the set of pics. Here's a for you.
And my follow up is simple: the young people today, engaging in their "protests," near as I can tell, don't quite approach the "body count" of D-Day the 6th of June. It strikes me that giving up one's life in the service of one's country is indeed more worthy of veneration than is walking around looking like a unicorn (?) on "its" way to a Starbucks, post-march.
Nevertheless, I appreciate your thoughtful response.
Edit: and you are correct: it is more powerful in B&W.
anthonysemone wrote:
Yo, Heron, Yes, that's the kind of political commentary I was expecting and it fully follows from what I intended with the set of pics. Here's a for you.
And my follow up is simple: the young people today, engaging in their "protests," near as I can tell, don't quite approach the "body count" of D-Day the 6th of June. It strikes me that giving up one's life in the service of one's country is indeed more worthy of veneration than is walking around looking like a unicorn (?) on "its" way to a Starbucks, post-march.
Nevertheless, I appreciate your thoughtful response.
Edit: and you are correct: it is more powerful in B&W....Show more →
I've always struggled with the idea that a willingness to kill or die for one's country (party, religion, etc) was such a great thing. After all, if no one was willing to do so, there would be a lot less senseless death and suffering in the world. Not that I see us transcending our tribal human nature any time soon of course, but it's interesting to think about how nationalism/patriotism etc. can be a double edged sword.
To be clear, I have no problem with the political nature of your post or any discussion it may provoke. I wish there were more such posts and responses here. Unfortunately the tendency is always for things to devolve into defensiveness and personal attacks directed towards those who hold opposing or challenging opinions. A form of conversational nationalism, as it were.
Thanks for having the balls to put your beliefs out there with your original post, and for engaging respectfully with the responses to it.
OregonSun wrote:
I've always struggled with the idea that a willingness to kill or die for one's country (party, religion, etc) was such a great thing. After all, if no one was willing to do so, there would be a lot less senseless death and suffering in the world. Not that I see us transcending our tribal human nature any time soon of course, but it's interesting to think about how nationalism/patriotism etc. can be a double edged sword.
To be clear, I have no problem with the political nature of your post or any discussion it may provoke. I wish there were more such posts and responses here. Unfortunately the tendency is always for things to devolve into defensiveness and personal attacks directed towards those who hold opposing or challenging opinions. A form of conversational nationalism, as it were.
Thanks for having the balls to put your beliefs out there with your original post, and for engaging respectfully with the responses to it.
Ever heard the expression: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ? If you understand the difference between good and evil, then to die for good is a great sacrifice.
Andre Labonte wrote:
Ever heard the expression: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ? If you understand the difference between good and evil, then to die for good is a great sacrifice.
"then to die for good is a great sacrifice"...It is the ULTIMATE sacrifice for ANY soldier that dies for his Country. While the phrase "All that is required for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing" goes without saying as Andre notes.
I would speculate that most of the men who served, on either side, had no "political agenda" in their decision to serve. Their Country called and they went. Whether voluntarily or by force. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice and for that they should be recognized!
If certain people think it is to "in their face" to demonstrate this, then go serve in battle, stand among those buried in your Country's National Cemetries, loose men/women, see death on your doorstep, then replay your comments. I saw it and lived it for 2 years! There was no political decision thought about when I was called up to serve.
I will listen to you then.
Tony my brother, the very 1st thought I had was the movie you speak of. Sorry(Fred also) I got distracted by the comments, rather "a" comment, but I felt I had to say something because I have "been there and done that". And I have been attacked by 2 people on this forum for having been a soldier. And politics DID have an impact on the outcome of the "war" I fought in. Both sides feel the pain. It is not a 1 way street in war.
Great moving photo Brother! Yours also Fred!
S/F
Dan
There is no need for anyone to comment on my post. I don't expect any. It distracts from Tony's original post.
for you. 
?) on "its" way to a Starbucks, post-march.