Friday, June 07, 2019

A Veteran's Personal Tribute

Late in the afternoon of D Day we received a text from a friend that her neighbour opposite had put put out a little but touching display consisting of his army boots, a flag, and a poppy. She thought that I should take a photo.

Sometimes, I am reluctant to comply with such requests because one cannot always meet people's expectations. The items were, after all, at the foot of a driveway, and who knows if the big camera would do any better than a phone shot under the circumstances.

But one likes to oblige friends, so off we went.



I later decided to do a mono version to make the image look more vintage. I added some textures to increase the effect, but I left colour in the flag and poppy.



Sue knocked on the door to make friends with the household, or actually to see if we might post the images on FB. Well, they were friendly, and they wold be fine with FB; in fact, they seemed to appreciate the gesture.

The lady brought out her husband's jacket and told us that he had served in five separate deployments. Though he wasn't home at the time, she thought he would appreciate the acknowledgement.




Although I am leery of some situations, both photographically and socially, it was good that I went. The friend who texted was pleased that we responded, and the veteran's wife seemed very pleased. So, if a camera can bring a little joy, why not, eh?

12 comments:

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

A very good thing to do, indeed.

Marie Smith said...

Such a lovely tribute, AC. Great job!

William Kendall said...

Wonderfully done!

Mage said...

A lot of joy in this case. I liked the color versions better as they showed the detail better. These are great.

The Liberty Belle said...

I love the feeling that the photographs evoke. Good job!

Shammickite said...

That was very thoughtful of you, and of your friend who texted you, and of course the gentleman who the boots belonged to.

Joanne Noragon said...

I.m glad your soljer was amenable. He is to be commended above all others.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Have a lovely bless day and it in very good taste.
Coffee is on

Kay said...

It was truly a beautiful thing you did, John. The photos are very, very special.

Tabor said...

A very emotional photo, so I can see your hesitation, but I am glad you asked and got a positive response. It might make a lovely photo for the newspaper next year!! I like the textures and would not have thought to do that. Good low lighting as well. D-Day this year was very ... whatever the word...because we gave so much for what we have and now we seem close to losing it again.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

A simple, but effective tribute that gets the message across very well.

Jenn Jilks said...

This is brilliant! Well done.