Flopping Aces Memorial Day Videos

Flopping Aces ^ | 05-25-09 | Wordsmith

[Starman417]

Here's my 2009 Memorial Day video:

[video at site]

Most of the photos come from DoD, and are focused on the current conflicts. The editing is a bit uneven, as I haphazardly imported pictures without a lot of discrimination; but ultimately, what I decided I wanted to convey is the sense of sacrifice of not just the soldiers, but of the military families they leave behind who dare to support them and their mission. I wanted to juxtaposition those photos of them reunited/leaving their families with photos of what their service and sacrifice away from home have gained back in return: Purple fingers....admiration and friendships with Iraqis and Iraqi children..... There's a poignancy there, because these mothers and fathers should be back home with their own families, who need them in their lives; their children deserve to have their parent holding them- not be half a world away, holding someone else's child in place of them. And yet, what the soldier does by leaving his family behind, he does on behalf of them...and us.

It is the American soldier who is the best ambassador to other nations; who exemplifies nobility and compassion and who exports our values and traditions. It is the American soldier who represents the best and brightest our country has to offer.

When those Iraqi children in the photos grow up, I hope they remember the kindness and friendship of U.S. soldiers.

[fish hawk]

Last night there was a great tribute to our troops for Memorial Day on PBS. It was hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Montagne. Lots of stars and great patriotic music and songs. It was the annual tribute at the Capitol and had a very large crowd.

[holly go-rightly]

thank you. I sent a link to all my contacts.