Memorial Day

I have never been in the situation where your whole world comes crashing down when someone you know and love is killed, wounded, or lost in service of my country, and I could never understand what it must be like.   Hollywood tries to give us a sense of the feeling through movies like "The Messenger", "We Were Soldiers", and "Taking Chance", but while you have that sense for a brief moment, these widows, widowers, orphans, and the like don't get to leave those feelings behind at the theater.   This year, I went to the annual Memorial Day service at our city's cemetery to honor those who died, served, or who have yet to come home.   It was a moving experience for me last year when my daughter took part in posting the flags at veterans' graves with her girl scouts, and this year was really no different.   I was by myself, just shooting some pictures and thinking of all those who were there remembering their loved ones.   As I was listening to the speakers reciting the Gettysburg Address, dedications, and reading the roll call of the vets that passed away this year, I saw the family of one soldier, Cpl. Neal, who recently died in Afghanistan in April.   The community came out in force for his homecoming and lined both sides of the road from the Airport to his hometown for miles and miles.   All of a sudden, the service really took on a new meaning as I could see for myself the anguish that lingers after the Last Full Measure of devotion is given.   I thought that this shot of the flag near the veteran's grave meant a lot to me as it symbolized the gratitude I have for all of those in service today, along with those who died.   Thank you.

Dueling Festivals

It's been way too long since I have last posted, but instead of offering excuses and promises to continue, I'll just start this one anew.   Memorial Day has always marked the unofficial start of summer and it is especially true up here in my neck of the woods.   Festivals of all shapes and sizes begin to commemorate all things Wisconsin, namely a German-inspired sausage called the Bratwurst.   Many people come from all over to celebrate the pork link, gobbling up thousands of pounds of the tasty treats.   This year proved no exception as I went to the "World's Largest" sponsored by Johnsonville in Madison and had my share of them.   As I made my way around the festival, I just tried to soak it all in and see it through the lens.   I found out several days ago, that an "alternate" Brat Fest was going on as well in Madison, dubbed "The People's Bratfest" and I wanted to go and see what that one had to offer.   It began last year as a way to ensure that the festival could stay smaller and not be corporate-sponsored, giving the people a voice.   Obviously, with the intense political climate that Wisconsin is experiencing right now, there was no shortage of voices calling for the overthrow of the governorship in office.   However, one thing I did notice that the people at this event were all really happy.   The crowds were elated, music was almost everywhere with a traveling band, musicians on the street and stages, and the bratwurst were really good as well.   I snapped a photo of this man juggling his torches and wanted to capture part of the atmosphere at the same time.   He was funny, energetic, and kept the crowd engaged in his act.   Although it was as politically charged as the rest of the festival, it didn't make the experience uncomfortable at all.   The summer festival season has begun with a vengeance and I anticipate more sunburns, drinks, and fun times with neighbors from next door or across the city.