It was my distinct privilege to be able to have the opportunity to tour and capture images at our nation's most hallowed place, Arlington National Cemetery. To say it was a profound experience is putting it mildly. I arrive just after 8AM, walking to the visitor center in a light but steady rain. I was immediately struck by the solemn feeling in the air; as if Mother Nature had somehow hushed herself in this place.
The light was less than ideal for photography; I was told by a guard that my tripod was to stay strapped to my bag (not having a lot of tripod luck lately, lol)...
I must have looked funny; standing by a tree, my backpack on, camera in hand, just looking... it took me several minutes before I felt like I could walk out among the markers. Thinking of my father and my uncles (non of whom are interred there) I began to walk, read, and observe. The first thing that visually grabs most people is the sheer number and the pattern of the markers. While I did take that in (and captured some images that I hope convey it); what caught my attention more were the little details. Details that might get overlooked when taking the whole place in...
When I leaned his wreath out of the way; Russell had indeed served in our Navy during WWII & Korea. Some thoughtful family member or friend had left this hat; maybe it was Russell's, the day before in honor of the annual Army Navy game that was played yesterday. Navy won and I hoped somewhere that Russell was smiling...
This outing today was one of the more memorable ones that I have had. Made me think a lot...
I will have more from Arlington to share soon.
God Bless America...
Ed
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