Veteran's Day 2009 Little Rock, Arkansas

Personal

Nov 11

Today was Veteran's Day, a day set aside for us to remember and honor our veterans. A lot has changed in 233 years of our great nations life, but one thing is still the same. We still have many, many, freedoms that we should be thankful for. I had an opportunity to spend the day with the VFW Post 9095 here in Little Rock. I spent most of my time talking with Sergeant Major Clifford Burks of the U.S. Marine Corp. He spent 32 years serving our great nation and fought in three of America's bloodiest wars. The Sgt. Major's uniform was completely covered in metals and patches, two purple hearts and the highest ranking one can receive in the Marines. I was most impressed though, with the Sgt. Major's memory. I can't remember most of my early highschool, but Burks was recalling dates and names from his past like it was the alphabet. We sat and talked inside the post as we looked at the wall of photos in front of us. Hundreds of heros decorated from past duties. Burks has 2 daughters and 2 sons. Both sons served in the Military. Before dinner Burks prayed for the food and also lifted his grandson who is currently stationed in Iraq. I felt very welcomed from everyone at the post. Despite the memories of past wars and fallen brothers, the atmosphere was practically upbeat. I was also reminded that Veteran's Day is only one day of the year and I should stop by more often. Even though my grandfather, brother, and uncle all served in a branch of the military, I know that I'm guilty of taking for granted how great our country is due t0 the men and women that fight for our freedoms. Today was a wonderful reminder of that. I know that giving away a few portraits to the veterans and their families I met today was a tiny gift in comparison to what they have done for us, but I hope that these photos can bring a few smiles in the least. Here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy, and the next veteran that you come in contact with, tell them thanks.

Eli