Dale and Diane Eslinger of Minooka place a wreath at the grave site veteran during the Wreaths Across America event at The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elewood on Saturday, December 13th, 2008. I found myself at this event last Saturday. It was one of those events that just has so much feeling and emotion attached to it. These two nice people were the first people that I encountered at this assignment. There were really helpful, and I felt like I got a lot of great shots from them; but I continued shooting anyways.
Eventually, a large group of Army ROTC members appeared, and I got some distant shots of them honoring those fallen, then I decided to confront one of them, to get closer images. I just randomly picked this one solider whom still had a wreath in his hand. I asked him if he would be fine with me photographing him putting his wreath on the site, and he happily agreed.
I followed him to the site, and we made some small talk on the way to our destination (this cemetery is large). He mentioned attending college at Lewis and talked about the whether, etc. Once we got there, he did his thing, and I documented it. After a few minutes he finished up and started to walk back to the rest of the group. I made sure to his name, and the name of the other solider he was with.
I noticed his last name was the same as the name on the gravestone. Then only half way realizing the scenario, I ask him if he was related to the person whose grave he was at. Of course he was, and he mentioned it was his father. I felt so bad. I apologized for the loss, then thanked him for allowing me to photograph such a personal moment.
Thats when it really hit me. There are so many gravesites at this place, and every single one of them has a family in the same position. These people were willing to put their lives on the line to help our country. For many, The US asked them to help them out, and they gladly did it, because they love this country. It is sad that people have to die, but they are true heros. I idolize musicians, actors, and athletes, but these are the true idols. I love this country, and I am very thankful that so many people before and after me will standup and defend my country.
My good pal Eric is two weeks into his basic training for the Navy. After all of the schooling, he is going to be something like a submarine technician. I wish him well, and I hope that he will stay safe.
"We all have a cause worth waging war
Or worth making peace to keep
We all have a love whatever it is
Or whoever is thee to seek
And there comes a day if we’re lucky enough
And the cards fall our way
I’ll pray to sit with the birds,
And take the boots off"
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