This was a very special day, for many… for many reasons!
Story goes like this… **warning it’s a long post**
I was asked to participate in a ceremony, as a photographer with my friends from Debbie Daanen Photography, for one of our local active duty fallen soldiers. It was devastating. For the family, I can not even imagine, but they asked for it to be documented. The pain and the loss was real…
The plane landed at Appleton International Airport and the Patriot Guard Riders organization gave them a most admirable arrival . The flight line was lined with Veterans and Gold Star Veterans (Parents whom had lost their son/daughter during time of service) all in line holding American Flags. This was surely a sight to see, and one I will never forget.
I photographed and captured many emotions during this tragic event, but was deeply inspired by the commitment, respect and dedication of these Patriot Guard Riders. As an artist – sometimes you see a deep look in a soul and you can feel what they are saying… what they are thinking… and this is what inspired me to paint Marine this local Marine Veteran.
Little did I know at that time that there was going to be such a healing power from this portrait, not just for those who participated on this day, but for my family as well.
