we remember

May 28, 2023 • 7 Comments

It is Memorial Day in the United States of America, a day designated by Congress on 11 May 1950, to honor U. S. military members who died while in service.

"In honor and recognition of all of our fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer and reflection. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance."

President Biden proclaimed today, May 29, 2023 as a day of prayer for permanent peace. "I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day."

Memorial Day has become a collective day of remembrance of all who have died and passed from our lives. There are sometimes heated discussions about why only military members are remembered and not peacemakers and conscientious objectors to war. But one thing I suspect most people can agree upon is the idea, wish, or prayer for permanent peace.

In the spirit of remembering and peace, I am including photographs that seem particularly peaceful, each for different reasons, but that conjure those feelings. As is the case with the bench image below, surrounded by leaves in a cemetery, the images can be in urban or more natural settings.

A reflection of the Grand Teton in Jenny Lake, with stones

A dried lotus blossom among leaves draws in both the eyes and the spirit.

There is nothing like a healthy, open ponderosa pine forest and the smell of the sun-heated bark emitting a butterscotch/vanilla fragrance.

Williams Lake on the way to Wheeler Peak in New Mexico is the perfect resting spot.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Looking up through an aspen canopy of fall quaking leaves settles the soul....

Trees - aspen 2021 4.jpg

...as does the sight of a columbine flower in deep shade.

I hope that each of you has a Memorial Day filled with good memories of those who have passed and with new memories of those with whom you celebrate!

Thanks to Ingrid, Barbara F. R., Connie, Steve, Catherine, Jean and Sam, Heather H., and Bill and Sue for writing this week.

until next Monday,

a passion for the image©

Keywords: aspen trees, Blacks Crossing Photography, columbines, Daryl A. Black, Jenny Lake, Grand Tetons, Memorial Day, New Mexico, photography, Ponderosa pine trees, Williams Lake

Comments

Ingrid(non-registered)

A difficult day for many. Your photos provide peace.

Steve Immel(non-registered)

As always you recognize the moments when we should take stock of the meaning of behind holidays like Memorial Day. I think widening the include folks who protested against the Viet Nam War is entirely appropriate though unlikely to be adopted by the greater populus or by the political class. Remembering a different kind of hero is something we'll have to do privately. I'm thinking of Quakers who didn't fight but cared for the wounded.

Your array of peaceful scenes is an apt contribution to this day of contemplation. The bench among the fallen leaves in a cemetery is a place where thoughts of the departed could be quietly felt.

Sara Woodburn(non-registered)

Your thoughts about the meaning of this holiday are well put and your photographs show us places we can find that peace and why we need them to remain wild. Thank you!

Ann Alexander(non-registered)

I can feel my body relaxing in response to these marvelous images. Thank you, Daryl.

Brenda Morgan(non-registered)

The best memorial , I've ever been present at. Sublime. Thanks for all inspiring all of us.

No comments posted.