Honoring D-Day and Our Future

Early in the morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of brave soldiers, boys mostly, jumped from the dark skies above France to begin the necessary process of ridding Europe, and the world, of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi regime.  I cannot imagine the courage it took for these paratroopers to leap into the night behind enemy lines to fight a superior, entrenched enemy.  Certainly, they were brave, but even more so, they were mutually committed to a dangerous and necessary mission.  Men and women willingly fought for their families, comrades, their countries, and the world. And they fought for freedom; freedom for all. Their bravery was, and is, an incredibly selfless and honorable act of humanity. Many died and gave all.  Like so many soldiers before them, they fought and died for each other and people they did not know. They fought and died to secure the honorable principles of free men, everywhere.  Today, more than ever, I am in awe of their heroism and sacrifices.  I often wish I could travel back in time with my modern cameras, endless battery power, and thousands of memory cards to photograph moments in history.  More than on any other day, I would want to be there on D-Day to capture the acts of courage and sacrifice in places such as Carentan, St. Mère Église, and Cherbourg.  Photographs capture a fleeting moment in time, but they represent so much more.  Photographs tell stories that must be seen, heard, and felt. Photographs can, and have, changed the world.  They should. They must. The year is now 2025 and, despite the sacrifices of many before us and the lessons of history, the world remains in turmoil.  Somehow, war and political tyrants are still in vogue.  Somehow, distorted ideals and the allure of power create ego-driven monsters that choose to rule with ruthless, self-absorbed authority.  How can that be? We have witnessed this all before. We know better. We should know better. So, as we reflect on the significance of this historic day, let us remember the even greater meaningfulness of the men who jumped into the countryside of France with a purpose.  No, we are not fighting the same war they fought, but the current political climate forged by ego and delusional ideals is too familiar. We must be as brave as the men who jumped into the night 81 years ago today. Let us honor the past by shaping the future with images of beauty, peace, kindness, and truth.  Let us photograph with purpose for the benefit of all.

Photograph What You Feel

Nikon Z6III

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8s Lens

ISO: 32,000

APT: f5.6

EXP: 1/10th of a Second on Gitzo Tripod with RRS BH55 Ballhead

Toy Soldiers from King and Country

Diorama Pieces from Various Makers

Battery Operated Button LED Lights Used for Lighting

Cautiously Patrolling

The cover of night

On the move

Running to help

Running for cover

Shouting orders