@cherryblossoms

2022 Hard Cover

I'm about to order books for the 2024 season and encourage all who order in quantity to let me know your plans.  I need about twelve weeks to order, and proof the book, transfer funds and arrange for shipping while leaving  time for a reprint or a loss so precision timing is everything.  I haven't in my years printing books missed a deadline  thanks to a great printer, an amazing warehouse and organized clients.  

Your gifting of the books represents the values and memories you are supporting.   The books will grace the coffee tables and enrich memories.   This book is perfect for groups visiting and/or representing the city as it is the most complete book on DC.  It's available sporadically in most bookstores and some museums in the city and in the National Park Service bookstores.  

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Another printing of the fourth edition is due March 25th.   Books have arrived and/or are ready to go for those who ordered earlyI am a small publisher and so quantity orders are gratefully accepted.  

The Cherry Blossom postcard books, the DC PHOTO BOOK, and Jewel of the Mall are currently available. I am delighted the books are featured and sold at the National Archives and Eastern National bookstores.  Guest Services has books in both the North and South kiosks around the Lincoln Memorial  The National Archives houses our nations history. I have the good fortune to have my work both housed and used in contemporary publications by  the Archives and in their bookstore simultaneously. I was contracted for Smithsonian Magazine to photograph in the vault where the Declaration of Independence is stored and displayed!   You can gift these evergreen books of the price of a baseball cap and which serve as a reminder of your part in their special day of Honor. Let me remind you that it never rains in my books and it's always a perfect temperature.

The Declaration of Indepence.Told that the glass was bulletproof I foolishly stood on it to make picture bottom left.
The warehouse is located just outside DC and is a major upside to my  business.  They provide brains, brawn and strategy!  They have indexed the client list for shipping and helped me set up the DC PHOTO BOOKS website and link it to the inventory.  They also have a truck and make deliveries to hotels and locations in DC where conventional carriers might not have access.  I have not dealt with Amazon for a long time and while you may see my books on sale listed as "new" on the Amazon site, they are not new and the few they have are priced high. 

With the new warehouse,  I can store sets of books for hubs who purchased for the year and ensure continuity in gifting and general operations.   I plan to print the DC PHOTO BOOK (Vol 4) once this year.  As I mentioned in a recent email, I'm getting old and creaky (and cranky it's been hinted.)  And I am judging camera quality by weight and distance rather than megapixels.  

My printer Asia Pacific Offset is incredibly inventive with all things paper and his website is a study in the printing arts. With 1400 titles a year and projects like the jewel encrusted Harry Potter Series and  Paul McCartney books ("Lyrics" has sold 300,00 two volume books and is still printing),  Their talents with paper have enabled me to do a variety of projects.  I am inspired by their the many projects they complete every year.

South Entrance to Korean Veterans MemorialThe Korea Memorial is open and ten pages in the book

I've recommended Zenfolio to the Honor Flights  primarily as an inexpensive storage website for your images.  Ten years ago, I arranged for Honor Flight hubs to get a 20 percent discount and if Honor Flight Chicago traveling with several photogaphers is the norm, it was a good deal.  I've taken advantage of Zenfolio's design features, eliminated the "BROWSE" and substituted a  "SEARCH" box in the main menu.   If I attended your event, it's catalogued by State or event name.  Feel free to have a look. There are 256 plus folders devoted to Honor Flight. 

If you are interested in prints,  usage, or discounts get in touch with the studio to confirm the specifications and I'll be happy to work with you to size and design. I've been working with metal prints of late and getting beautiful results.

This blog is ongoing and hopefully provides context for the books and information for those of you visiting Washington.  It can be accessed on any device. All photos and text are copyright Stephen R. Brown.

JUNE7 2020 CoverTEST

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Jeff Miller, President of  Blue Ridge and Co Founder of Honor Flight still out in the rain.  It's been fifteen years since he and Earl Morse merged Honoe Flight and HonorAir and some 270,000 vets have gotten to see the Memorials. 
Come on

Jeff Miller, Blue Ridge and Co Founder of Honor Flight still out in the rainJeff Miller, Blue Ridge and Co Founder of Honor Flight still out in the rain

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HONOR FLIGHT NORTH DAKOTA/MINNESOTATracy Briggs of WDAY radio in Fargo, North Dakota raised $500,000 and brought 500 vets, Sam Donaldson, and Senator Dole to dinner in Washington before they visited the WWII Memorial, The Iwo Jima and the Korean Memorials

In 2007 Tracy Briggs from North Dakota was among the first to document groups of veterans at the WWII Memorial.  She has made a documentary which is airing soon.   I am looking forward to seeing her presentation which will include one of my photographs of the Memorial under construction. The image was made in Febrruary 2001 and is featured in "Jewel of the Mall."

BRIGGS

Honor Flights transitioning to Vietnam Veterans
Michael O'Brien, NPS volunteer at the Vietnam Wall and I were talking about the transition of Honor Flight to Vietnam Veterans and the increased ladder climbing for etchings.  The National Park Service volunteers who are all Vietnam vets are like me getting to be "long in the tooth".  

At Vietnam, approximately 50 percent of the names can only be reached by ladder and the rangers and volunteers are the only people allowed on the ladders so try to know where the names are.  If the hubs and veterans know the location of the name beforehand, the process will go quicker.   Michele Spry of Central Missouri Honor flight has worked out a very efficient process for making the etchings and I asked her to write up her process which will apply to the Korea Memorial although given the angle at which the Wall of Remembrance is built it looks as if the designers are out to discourage the process.  

As you'll notice, she brings her own paper which she prints with the Missouri Honor Flight logo so it makes for a great framed piece. As soon as the flight lands Michele sets off by cab to the Vietnam Wall to make the etchings requested by Veterans and neighbors in the Central Missouri area. She has made as many as 80 etchings in two hours. I decided to ask Michelle to write up her formula for getting so many done.

Vietnam Wall EtchingNotice the Honor Flight Central Missouri logo top left
 

"Hey there Stephen R. Brown! 

Just wanted to follow up on our conversation from Monday about what we (Central Missouri Honor Flight) do for our Vietnam Veterans. Steve Paulsell saw a need and asked me to take this on many Honor Flights ago. I love that we do this as it's just one more service we can provide for our veterans on such an emotional yet memorable day in Washington, DC. I realize not every Honor Flight operates like we do (ie: meeting our veterans at a Pre-Flight meeting, then going on the Flight and having a Welcome Home Party 2 weeks later) however I think it would be somewhat easy to incorporate into their routine if they wish to add this memorable yet honoring piece of their trip. (It would certainly help the volunteers at the wall not to become so overwhelmed with names when they all arrive!)

The form is given out to veterans and collected by Michelle.
Pre-Flight:

This is when we get to meet our veterans and go over what will take place for Flight Day. This is also where Steve announces that the 1/2 sheets of paper (see attachment - they are cut in half) on their tables are for any names that they would like looked up and etched (we call them etchings... I know this isn't correct but rubbings sound funny) we will do our best to find the names they request. Many times they know the names of the fallen and the date of their death. However, often times they may only know them by Butch Jones when their real name is Myron Jones for example (I just made that name up). There are many times it takes a little extra work to find a name... I have called High Schools to ask, looked up memorials online for a certain City and State to find a name or simply "got lucky".  

Typically when I research a name I start with Google.... I will type in the name followed by Vietnam Veteran (Rodney Griffin Vietnam Veteran) and it will show me a name on the Virtual Vietnam Wall of Faces. This will allow me to get a correct spelling of the veteran. (I also have a copy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Book that is at the top of the memorial that is carried with me to Pre-Flight and Flight Day for quick reference as well). If I need additional help finding a name I will call the veteran... amazing what you can accomplish talking to them and asking questions! Once I have all the names located with correct spelling and coordinates on the wall I begin to print out my packets.... 

Excel Spread sheet in order from 70 West to 70 East

The packets start with a cover sheet (see attached) and then the 15-ish page packet of information on the history of the wall. (This information was pulled from the http://thewall-usa.com website) I do this to give them a little more knowledge on the wall, who designed it, how names are added and then give them some interesting statistics from the guys who were killed in action (see attached scrolling towards the back of the packet - really interesting). Then I start entering each name on the website http://thewall-usa.com and printing off what information it has about each name that was KIA. Again, just a nice touch to give them a little more detail about their brother, friend and who served with them. 

As far as Honor Flights that don't meet their veterans prior to Flight Day they could simply have someone make contact or send an e-mail (most Vietnam veterans have an e-mail or spouse that has one) requesting this information ahead of time. I look up names Flight night and while on the plane and buses - as well as while we are at the wall.

Michelle Spry with database

After I print my packets and the names that were requested (see attachment of example) then we start adding the names to a spreadsheet (see attachment) and put them in order from 70 W to 70 E. We do this so that when I enter the wall at 70 W I can start etching (rubbing) the names without bouncing all around. It literally takes me a couple minutes per name to locate and do the etching (rubbing). The ones I can't reach I simply leave blank or put a star next to it and keep moving until I am done. Then I get a volunteer with a ladder and we begin moving in order from West panel to East panel until they are all done.

For each Honor Flight we usually get around 80-110 names (This time was much less but we still added another almost 20 names once I arrived to Flight Night - then I manually write names for lanyard).  I like to think I have a smooth process. (Of course when we get to DC I immediately take off in a Uber and go to the memorial so that I can focus and get it knocked out before our group gets there) 

Steve Paulsell with a ranger at the Vietnam Memorial
I forgot to mention that before we leave on Flight Night I put the coordinates of each name that our veterans request in the back of their lanyard so that when they get to the wall they have the exact location of each name they requested... if I got it prior to arriving at the wall. (Also nice that those names get to be with them the whole trip - another special touch) (You can see attachment as I cut them all into smaller pieces of paper to fit in lanyard) 

Notice the requested name has been inserted in veteran's lanyard so he knows where it is when he arrives at Wall.

Once the names are etched (rubbed) then I put them in the appropriate packets (I have a separate bag that has 9 x 12 envelopes with the print outs and just add the etchings (rubbings) on the airplane on our way home. They are separated into Red, White & Blue Buses (what bus they are traveling on) and when we land in St. Louis, MO I give these packets to the bus captain to put in a bag that each veteran receives on their way back home. This way they go home with the etching (rubbing) they requested. 

Completed Packet
I hope that makes sense.... it's a lot of work but something that once you get in a groove it is pretty smooth and works great! Just wanted to find those extra special touches that makes their trip even more special. As you know, the wall can be very hot and we try to keep the guys as cool as possible. We never tell them they can't do the etching themselves but let them know it has been done (I don't let anyone add their own etchings (rubbings) to my pile as I would be afraid it wouldn't get to the right person - most will take pictures, spend time at the name and sometimes leave something for that veteran. 

Most of the time it takes me 1.5 - 2 hours to complete.... mainly depends on how many I can reach (we talked about that) and how many I need the volunteers for."

 **In addition to her work with Central Missouri Honor Flight, Michele is an author of two children's books, a community and business activist and recently brought two World War II veterans together as well as the Corsair they flew during World War II.**
 

The MILITARY WOMENS MEMORIAL formerly WIMSA (WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE TO AMERICA) has been rebranded and the name updated in the 4th edition of the DC PHOTO BOOK.  The Memorial blends into the cemetery’s overall facade and is quite literally placed into the Arlington Heights.  The interior has sweeping forty foot ceilings with enormous skylights which blow quite a bit of light into the interior and cast shadow quotes on the Walls.   Below you can see an exhibit of WWII MEMORIAL prints which were there a decade ago. At the time, you could drive up to the Memorial which was quite a thrill.

Don’t forget to take a stroll on the roof terrace.  The elevators are adjacent to the bookstore and if the elevators are out of service there are steps on the sides of the Memorial.    DC PHOTO BOOK is the only book on Washington, DC that covers the Women in Military Service to America.

My nephew Dan resurrected this recording he made some twenty years ago of my father's experiences during WWII. Like most WWII veterans, he is modest about his five year "vacation".  He joined the Naval Reserve a year before the war, was switched into the regular Navy (October 1940) and sent to Philadelphia where he trained.  The ships he eventually sailed on were reconfigured at the Sun Oil shipyards in Chester, Pa. to deliver oil to Pearl Harbor.  Those same Sun shipyards in Chester, Pennsylvania became Laran Bronze Foundry where the eagles and much of the bronze work was created for the WWII Memorial.  Parts of the Laran building were filled with old ship templates.

He volunteered for the newly formed Naval Air Service and was sent to Natal, Brazil to work on and fly in PBY Submarine Hunters.  All of our soldiers and sailors were given two salaries: one salary went home and the other they were encouraged to spend in Brazil to keep the economy sound. He joked that if nothing else, he learned to dance and sail during his time in Brazil.  A number of his squardron's PBY planes were lost to submarine activity along the Eastern Coast of South America.  

He did not live to see the WWII Memorial but enthusiastic in all things,  he would have been down at the site supervising the construction.  There were a number of WWII Veterans who parked themselves near the construction site to watch.  When the eagles were still on the ground, I had the opportunity to write his name and service location on the inside of the Eagle.  This is the internal structure of the Eagle on the Southwest side of the Pacific Arch. This photo is in the WWII Memorial Book.

WWII MemorialMy father's name, aircraft type and service imprinted on the steel of the SouthWestern eagle on the Pacific side of the Mall.

*this works on a desktop machine but not on a portable device"
 

EISENHOWER AS A YOUNG MAN

Screen Shot 2021-11-27 at 11.11.26 AM The new Eisenhower Memorial like every public artwork saw its share of controversy with the renowned architect Frank Gehry flipping off Senators, giving public lectures on his point of view and on the other side,  the aggrieved Eisenhower family trying to change the plans.   I have no idea what the beef was but the Memorial fits nicely in the new edition.  My first campaign pin said "I like Ike".  It still rings a bell. 

I am fond of the images and happy I include the Capitol in the bottom right image.  The statue of Eisenhower as a youth (top of page) is worth the visit alone as it is one of the most beautiful and romanticized sculptures I have seen.

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  Wall Mural in BackgroundI believe this "mural" is supposed to be Normandy and I have included it here in B/W and color.

2022 Hard CoverFourth Edition follows the same route but I have added Memorials and places that are new and interesting.

The books arrived in Baltimore a month early.  I just checked the Marine Traffic app to see our ship (the SEAQUEST) sailed through the Panama Canal and cut our time by a couple of weeks.  I love the idea of photographing, processing images, and designing a book that is both useful and beautiful.  And printing books in Asia with artisans who can do anything with paper is magic....Shipping News.

I am indebted to Asia Pacific Offset for managing to not only do magic with paper but deliver it!  My books may be traveling on the same ship as Paul McCartney's new LYRICS book which has the lyrics to "Hey Jude" embossed into the cover.  APO just finished printing 300,000 books of the ten pound books.  I saw a signed copy for $20,000.00 on Ebay.  With the embossing and sheer weight and size, it looks like the ten commandments of rock and roll....and of course it is.  I'm amazed.

IMG_9156   SPIKE LEE'S NEW MEMOIR BOOK

FOURTH EDITION "DC PHOTO BOOK" HIGHLIGHTS

I've encountered more than a few special moments traveling around the Mall with Honor Flight hubs. In the Arlington Cemetery section of the book, I used this picture from a Stars and Stripes flight.  I am happy that I had a few trips around the Mall allowed me an idea of the depth and importance of the Honor Flight experience.  Both Missouri and Chicago have always had a two-page spread.

HONOR FLIGHTA Stars and Stripes Veteran was given a special few moments with his nephew. Paula Nelson of Stars and Stripes allowed me along for this special and reverential moment.

When the WWII Memorial was just completed and not opened, we were wondering how we would get these WWII veterans to their Memorial. Along came Honor Flight and I use these images to show the power and generosity of the American people. Over 120 Honor hubs have moved 250,000 veterans and as many guardians.  Touring Washington (and I live here for this reason) is an eye-opening and optimistic experience.  It's important to our national unity.  It's also fun!

HONOR FLIGHT CHICAGO (LEFT). I have photographed 97 of their flights and done one round trip from Chicago. On the right are scenes of WWII vets visiting the Memorials

Jim Fisher Director of the Korea War Veterans Memorial gave me a tour of the construction at the Korea  Memorial which is due to open in July. When finished it should feel and look essentially the same with the concentration still on the platoon and the big addition of a "Wall of Remembrance"--names of the Fallen which will be placed in a circle around the original pool and trees.  It will be more interesting and accessible with the Wall of Names and new entrances and walkways.  I got a look at the construction site and the new wall of names with the next printing. 

Wall of RemembranceNames of both South Korean and U.S. soldiers killed in the Korean War are engraved in the Wall
 

Some screenshots from the fourth edition which will be hardcover and 160 pages retailing at $39.95. They will be sold and distributed through DC PHOTO BOOKS which is connected to the warehouse! I sent out an email to my quantity clients with the discount code on April 2, 2022.

There is already a sale going on on the single books and you can get twenty percent off by typing in "kilroy" as you fill out the shipping information on the website.  This information goes to directly to the warehouse which ships usually same day.  The warehouse is in touch with ever changing shipping prices and aims to achieve the lowest price. They have been excellent advisors regarding shipping and are sympathetic to small enterprises.  

Frederick Douglas Memorial BridgeThe graceful lines of the new bridge lead you right to the Riverfront and Maine Street areas of the city.
 

The Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge is finished and in the book.  The bridge visually pulls together the Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia neighborhood which is growing at a rapid rate.  I also managed to squeeze some pans of  the Channel area which used to be an old fish market and is now a glitzy waterfront and a restored marina complete with real life Senators! It's so nice that the War College feels threatened by daily leisure boat traffic.  Now I'm thinking since the Officers Club is right on the waterfront, this may be a matter of stomachs rather than security.

8ED6967D-3B33-450A-89BD-045EDC471C91

I have two pages of images of the new Dwight Eisenhower Memorial across from the Air and Space Museum.  Like most of DC's statuary, it had its ups and downs and drama with architect Frank Gehry squaring off with Congress (great television!), the Eisenhower family in opposition and Senator Dole working as a mediator. I like the photographs so have no opinion. The statue of Eisenhower as a youth (below/top left) is worth the visit as it is one of the most beautiful sculptures I have seen.

Dwight D. Eisenhower MemorialAs always, conflict of opinion (which we already have too much of in this town) surrounded this Memorial .

SEARCH THE ARCHIVES

On the right of the menu bar, you will find a box in which to input your photo query and can browse through the files. There are several hundred folders devoted to Honor Flight and a testament to optimism and the desire to do good and the joy that comes of that.

Here's a bit of Chicago.  

chicagofilesScreenshot

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Blue Ridge Honor Flight visits the Vietnam Memorial.  

westmoreland

Perhaps the most controversial General to manage the Vietnam War. General William Westmoreland was a United States Army General who served as the Commander of American military operations from 1964 to 1968. He was known for his leadership during the conflict, and for his controversial decisions and statements. After retiring from the military, he continued to be involved in public life and passed away in 2005.

The contact sheet below is my wife's cousin Raymond who dropped out of college and was immediately scooped up and sent to Vietnam where he was wounded, recovered in Australia and sent back to Vietnam where he was wounded again.  Upon returning, he didn't speak of it the experience and formed a very successful company.  He passed a couple of years ago and a family member sent these images of him taken in Vietnam.  

Raymond SpiesI've. been sorting out computers and this contact sheet of images appeared. My wife's cousin Raymond dropped out of Villanova and was immediately drafted, sent to Vietnam and was wounded.

 

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Like every DC based photographer, the Cherry Blossoms are Washington's great festival and a sign that Winter is done....we hope!   As a multi year veteran of the Blossom Madness with access to a first rate printer, I publish  a postcard book of Cherry Blossom images which are currently available at the White House Gift Shops and the National Mall stores.  The images are unique in that they were made with a camera modified to the infrared spectrum of light.   This makes for a rich visual experience through a hipcolor spectrum...a study in color!  The cover of the book is printed on Linen stock while the individual cards are printed on a flat textured paper stock and detachable and legally mailable. It's an example of paper magic and the one of the reasons for printing my own material.
CHERRY BLOSSOM POSTCARD BOOK-- PRINTERS VERSIONA BESPOKE LOOK AT THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS AT THEIR PEAK AND AND IN INFRARED COLOR.

You can preview some of the images achieved using the modified camera

CHERRY BLOSSOMSThirty 4x6 color postcards

I've had more than a few special moments traveling around the Mall with Honor Flight hubs. In the Arlington Cemetery section of the book, I used this picture from a Stars and Stripes flight as an example of the emotional impact these trips are capable of evoking.  This veteran from Wisconsin was able to take a little side trip to visit his nephew's gravesite.

HONOR FLIGHTA Stars and Stripes Veteran was given a special few moments with his nephew. Paula Nelson of Stars and Stripes allowed me along for this special and reverential moment.
When the WWII Memorial was just completed , we wondered if it was built too late to get WWII veterans to their Memorial.  Along came Honor Flight made of 129 hubs spread across the country in forty two states.  Honor Flight Chicago (left below) just completed its 100th flight to DC.  Honor hubs have moved 250,000 veterans and as many guardians.  There will be a celebration of the event on May 2.

HONOR FLIGHT CHICAGO (LEFT). I have photographed 97 of their flights and done one round trip from Chicago. On the right are scenes of WWII vets visiting the Memorials

Jim Fisher Director of the Korea War Veterans Memorial gave me a tour of the construction at the  Memorial which is due to open in July. When finished it should feel and look essentially the same with the concentration still on the platoon and the big addition a "Wall of Remembrance"--names of the Fallen which will be placed in a circle around the original pool and trees.  It will be more interesting and accessible with the Wall of Names and new entrances and walkways.  I got a look at the construction site and the new wall of names with the next printing. 

Wall of RemembranceNames of both South Korean and U.S. soldiers killed in the Korean War are engraved in the Wall

The fourth edition will be hardcover and 160 pages retailing at $39.95. They will be sold and distributed through DC PHOTO BOOKS which is connected to the warehouse! I sent out an email to my quantity clients with the discount code on April 2, 2022. 

There is already a sale going on on the single books and you can get twenty percent off by typing in "kilroy" as you fill out the shipping information on the website.  This information goes to directly to the warehouse which ships usually same day.  The warehouse is in touch with ever changing shipping prices and aims to achieve the lowest price. They have been excellent advisors regarding shipping and are sympathetic to small enterprises.  

Frederick Douglas Memorial BridgeThe graceful lines of the new bridge lead you right to the Riverfront and Maine Street areas of the city.
The Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge is finished and in the book.  The bridge visually pulls together the Capitol Riverfront and Anacostia neighborhood which is growing at a rapid rate.  I also managed to squeeze some pans of  the Channel area which used to be an old fish market and is now a glitzy waterfront and a restored marina complete with real life Senators! It's so nice that the War College feels threatened by daily leisure boat traffic.  Now I'm thinking since the Officers Club is right on the waterfront, this may be a matter of stomachs rather than security.

8ED6967D-3B33-450A-89BD-045EDC471C91

Image 1-6-21 at 10.00 PMRonald Reagan's Inauguration from the United States Park Police Helicopter. The first held on the West side of the Capitol, it is currently on lockdown thanks to outgoing garbage head of a President. Worst ever!!!!

The East Capitol got an enormous and beautifully done renovation to make it easy for tourists to visit.  

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Couple leading canal boat on C&O Canal The original canal boat

The first story I published was for the Washington Post "Sports Two" section in 1976.  My wife and I talked our way on a bus with bikes to Cumberland, Maryland.  We had a couple of flat tires but managed the 184 mile trip in four days staying at motels along the way.  The Canal is much talked about these days as it is being drained for maintainance. This image is one of the original boats drawn by mules....a messy business! 

The Canal was a project set in motion by George Washington. He saw it as the Nation’s Gateway to the West.  It stretches up to Cumberland, Maryland and I have done the trip by bicycle (The Washington Post) and by car (National Geographic Traveler).  Ironically, by time the Canal was finished, the majority of the cargo carried was coal for the train which ran parallel to it and quickly put it out of business. This image was taken on Kodachrome and scanned around 2000.  

In the early fifties, there was talk of turning the Canal into a highway. Thankfully, Justice Douglas took up the cause and walked the entire length a couple of times (challenging reporters to do the same). He eventually brought enough publicity and public pressure to put it under the protection of the National Park Service.  It’s 184 miles and has little elevation so worth a few days. There are six pages devoted to the Georgetown stretch of the Canal in DC PHOTO BOOK. The stonework and masonry are more elaborate and ornamental near DC.  It's an ambitious project and a great three or four day bike ride.  

PROOFING GEORGETOWN PAGES IN DC PHOTO BOOKIt's photography and preservation as I was checking the Georgetown section of the book and realized I had images of the old barge!
 

The post DC PHOTO BOOK: The C&O Canal appeared first on Stephen Brown Studio.

Martin Luther King MemorialFirst book to contain this Memorial. I had to edit a bit of scaffolding out to make the deadline.

The Martin Luther King Memorial was just finishing when I made this image.  It was a rush as the book was at the printer and the presses were rumbling.  I made the image and had to edit out some of the scaffolding which hadn't been removed and shipped it within the hour.  It's a beautiful work and I am happy to have had the opportunity to chat with members of the King Family and gotten their support. 

I will be re-ordering so please make your wishes known regarding numbers of veterans.  At the moment, it's fair to say that this is the definitive book on DC and packaged for ease of distribution.  I am happy and proud to have developed this collection over the past forty years (some of the Georgetown  pics go back to 1976) and been able to get the short run printing and new photographs included as the Mall changes.  A veteran from Oregon called yesterday and complimented me on the book.  That in itself was delightful.  He told me that the book covered all the things and places he had gone on his Honor Flight and he was buying a copy for his son who had been his guardian.  It doesn't get much better than that! There is a natural flow around the Mall and I have tried to flow with it.

DC PHOTO BOOK 4 th editionThe first edition of DC PHOTO BOOK was 115 pages and each edition has gotten larger.

WWII MEMORIAL: JEWEL OF THE MALLAvailable in singles and by the case

These books are all approved by the National Park Service and are elegant, accurate and beautiful.  They are one of kind creations which have made visitors and residents proud "Insiders."  The postcard books have been successful and limited only by my time advertising and distributing them.  

Postcard Collections:Thirty eight postcards make up this set on the National Mall.

Postcard Collections:Cherry Blossom postcards: thirty to a pack

MVP@LeRoy Butler escorts a veteran through the sea of well-wishers that turned out to greet this "Flight of Champions" For me the perfect way to finish up a perfect day.

I called Paula Nelson and managed to get a ride and shared my images with all the parties involved. I needed more homecoming images as I had flown with Chicago almost ten years ago and needed another home coming for my long term easy on Honor Flight's volunteerism.  

I arrived in Green Bay the night before the flight and was met by an eager group of volunteers who I photographed at Lambeau Field--Wisconsin's Field of Dreams!  While all the volunteers are long time Stars and Stripes veterans, this was a new airport and a new organization.  Two hundred plus veterans and guardians had to be registered for the flight, served breakfast, flown to DC, toured about and then greeted by five thousand plus people that night. Who's in Charge?...Paula Nelson.  

In Milwaukee, there were two more flights loading up.  Stars and Stripes is known for "going big" and in the past filled a stadium with fifty thousand people for an Honor Flight event and routinely flies the largest groups of veterans.  

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FLIGHT TIMEAt 4AM, a planeload of veterans lines up for registration for their Day of Honor.

After a good breakfast, as the veterans and guardians board the plane and as they do, VIP Photography takes pictures which in addition to their use for security and advertising also serve the veterans for their everyday photo use. Not many of us has a professional picture in these days of iPhones.  VIP has been an important patron of Stars and Stripes as they professionally take and archive the photos from each flight.  

After the Pledge of Allegiance and some words from local civic leaders, we were off and started our flight with a water cannon salute.  Packers alumni Jared Abbrederis, LeRoy Butler, Jarrett Bush, Johnnie Gray and Bill Schroeder were on the flight and no sooner were we airborne than they were shaking hands, signing autographs and bantering with veterans.   

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I was seated right across from Leroy Butler, the originator of the Lambeau Leap and the original Mr. Nice Guy. He and the other players participated fully in the day available at any moment to chat, shake hands and sign everything from t-shirts to hats.  And having spent the day with LeRoy, it was hard to believe his ferocious reputation on the field! ^{LeRoy ButlerHe played in 181 games, earned a Super Bowl ring, for Super Bowl XXXI, following the 1996 season, was selected as an All-Pro four times and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998). He was named to the 1990s NFL All Decade Team, by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and was later inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, in 2007. On November 6, 1997, the Green Bay Packers signed Butler to a five-year, $15 million contract extension that includes a signing bonus of $5 million.[5] On October 7, 1999, the Green Bay Packers signed Butler to a three-year, $21.50 million contract extension that includes a signing bonus of $1.63 million.[6]}

PART TWO

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The enlarged and roomier layout of the newly reopened Korea Memorial allows you to spread out and appreciate the Korean War and the sacrifices made.  According to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, the Wall of Remembrance features the names of 29,857 U.S. soldiers, 4,522 U.S. Marines, 668 U.S. sailors, 1,587 U.S. airmen, and 7,174 Korean augmentees to the U.S. Army. A total of 43,808 names appears on the wall.  Pat Babler of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides sent a note around that the National Park Service is asking everyone to let visitors know that the Korea is not meant for rubbings.  They are encouraging photos rather than rubbings/etchings in these days of cell phones.  As I mentioned, the onslaught of Honor Flights at the Vietnam Memorial has overwhelmed the volunteers.

There are new entrances to the Memorial located on the North and South sides of the Memorial and leading into the Wall of Remembrance.  The changes -- not to ignore the Wall of Remembrance-- are more of convenience and depth of experience.  The Squadron's weary figures still dominate the site and I was able to get a bit of the new type in the Fouth Edition of the DC PHOTO BOOK.

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NEW ENTRY TO THE KOREAN MEMORIALThere are new entryways to the Korean Memorial on the North and South sides of the expanded Korea Memorial.

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Honor Flight ChicagoMid afternoon, it gets hot on the Mall so line 'em up and get that photo in ten minutes or less.

Every group photo on the Mall requires planning. When you are trying to line up 100 to 200 people in front of you and move all the bystanders out of the way, it's no time to be using a new camera.  Practice...I use the local baseball field.  I'll share a few locations with you and some of the difficulties working on the Mall.  For groups like Honor Flight, I have preached bringing your local photogapher along.  When you arrive home, you'd be surprised how many people, and the circle of distribution and reach your local photographer probably has.  My standard camera is a Canon GX7, recently a Canon M6 and when I'm feeling athletic a Nikon D850.  The camera is for the most part irrelevant as long as its over 24 megs.  You also want extra charged batteries. 

You need to decide before you arrive in DC where you are going to take the group photograph and an alternative location.  I also advocate wide angle photos with instantly recognizable backgrounds. You will be raising funds and you don't want potential donors guessing what you are doing.  

You will want to be passing these images along to the next group of volunteers so use a stable storage platform (I use Zenfolio for online storage and distribution).  Images are extraordinarily valuable fund raising tools.  If you see me,  I am photographing history and revising my books.  If I happen to photograph your group and give you permission to use the image, it's because I believe that Honor Flight will have a long historical life as the care shown for our elderly through this program transcends any political belief. I do expect us to transact in writing your usage. I copyright everything.  You should too. You can do a group registration electronically for about forty bucks.

You need to plan your photograph and ask the guardians to get the veterans to the restroom and on site at a specific time.  This photo and the one above only took fifteen minutes from setup to completion.  It was successful because I had a week to plan and worked with hubs leaders and guardians to POLITELY move the pedestrians and onlookers out of the way so that EVERYONE taking the photo got the photo and every one of the veterans was in the photo.  I had a brief 30 seconds to move in and take this photograph. 

There are fifty to three hundred and fifty people in the these photographs.  Fortune favors the prepared! Fortune also favors the photographer and group that get this important photo done quickly as leaving the elderly in the DC sun or rain while you adjust the balance of the picture should be a crime. And if there's a straggler, photoshop him or her in later. 

Forced Flash

Honor Flight “hubs” visit the Memorial when conditions are difficult for photography.  The sun is high and casts a shadow in the eye sockets making everyone look a bit like a panda.  To remedy this “panda syndrome,” I adjust my camera so the small flash always fires.   While that tiny flash on your camera won’t light up the mall, it will fill in the shadows caused by a baseball cap.  Read the camera manual and learn how to set your flash so it fires each time.

It’s called “forced flash.” Practice standing about six feet away from your subjects so the flash fills in the facial area but doesn’t look unnatural or overpower the scene.  “Forcing the flash” requires an extra battery and a bit of patience as the flash has to recycle between photos.  You should expect the delay and keep your subjects distracted while the flash is recycling.  In the photograph below, even though Colin Powell and I were throwing shadows on the veterans he’s shaking hands with, the small flash filled in the areas and opened up the shadows caused by their baseball caps.  It’s such a small burst of light that it’s not noticeable…. unless it isn’t there!

Location….Location…Location….!

These sample images might help you decide in advance where you want to take your group photographs. The location is often decided by the size of your group. Some groups try to form up by their state column but the group has to be small.  Most of the state column areas are narrow and you need some room for group photos. The state columns are best left I think for photos of individuals. The more room you have, the faster you can get it done.

My favorite location for group photography is in the center of the Memorial just in front of the Memorial. It gives you a great choice of the Lincoln, the Atlantic or Pacific arches for background and room to spread out.  Honor Flight Chicago travels with one hundred veterans plus guardians.  Professional photographer John Bonk does all their individual and group photographs and edits some 5000 images per trip.  

I made some images which shows the many elements (buglers, singers, honor guard, floral arrangements, etc…) which go into Chicago’s ceremonies. As you can see in the picture below, Chicago is not short on cameras!  The morning of departure, John also takes portrait photographs of the veterans for identification while on the road and as a gift to the elderly veterans who usually don’t have a good professional photograph. Chicago now travels with at least one professional and four or five guardians who wear the blue shirt for photographers.

Panoramas…You don’t need a specialized camera

To accomplish the photo below, I took six frames by walking in front of the veterans and photographing at equidistant points. I then stripped the images together in a program called Arcsoft Panorama. The result is an enormously big image which can be blown up to show each veteran clearly.  I then went back to my studio and uploaded it to Costco in the Chicago area where it was brought to the airport and distributed to the veterans when they arrived.  Neat trick!  As I understand it, one of Honor Flight Chicago’s volunteers runs a taxi service which dispatches a cab to Costco and to the airport where it is dropped into the Veterans “goody bags.”

In the contact sheet (below), you can see that I separate the sequences of pan images by photographing my hand just before I take each sequence. This allows me to see where the pans start when I am putting them together in Photoshop or Arcsoft software programs.  Arcsoft is inexpensive and very capable.  Adobe is also very capable but “expensive”!  These software programs turn any camera into an incredibly versatile machine capable of competing with the most expensive DSLR cameras.

The photographs below of Canton Akron’s 2011 flight were used by Smuckers Corporation (their corporate sponsor) for an annual report. I had originally planned on making the image with the Lincoln in the background but because of an unplanned marching band, had to quickly relocate to the Atlantic side of the Plaza. From the side of the Memorial, it took a few minutes to pose the hundred veterans and get them all in the picture but it worked.  Using the Atlantic ramp for height gave me a better view of the veterans. I managed (just barely) to get everyone in one frame. Obviously, the composition isn’t everything I hope for but it went to press!  As it was all going on, I also took a series of panoramic frames that were ready to be stripped together in a panorama if we couldn’t squeeze everyone in.

When I make these group photographs, I always take one photograph of the veterans alone and then another with all of the volunteers. While we are assembling the group photo,  I ask the volunteers to take close up pictures of the vets with their cameras and then ask everyone to step back. This is where everyone has to cooperate. It is a critical time as the veterans are out in the sun (or rain) so make sure that the guardians are ready to get behind the principal photographer.  As wonderful as capturing these moments are, they are not worth discomfiting the veterans.

The Wall of Stars is another particularly good place for small groups as is illustrated by this photo of Rhode Island’s first trip.  As always, I used the small flash on my camera to throw some light into the shadows caused by the visors of the Vets ball caps.  If the group is too big, you will end up backing into the fountains to accomodate them.  And if this occurs, go for the panoramic mode.  My Canon camera even has a “stitch assist” mode.  Some of the Sony cameras only need to swept across the scene and they put the pans together.  It's an amazing world.  

Homeland Drive is the most difficult place to make group images. If you have more than twenty vets, they won’t comfortably fit into the area with the Pacific Arch as a background. When Senators Dole (I feel he's still there actually) and others are there, you’ll be hard pressed to find any room to make an image. I have been forced to used the benches right along Homeland Drive to photograph but it’s always proves difficult to get a clear photograph. If you get caught having to make a group shot in this area, you might want to consider making a three shot panorama.  Again, I start left to right and photograph my hand before I begin the sequence. You should overlap by 40 percent in each panoramic frame. You will be amazed as you watch the software make a seamless image out of several single files!

****I use a Canon S100 which is a sophisticated “point and shoot” camera with very wide angle capabilities (24mm to 120mm). Any camera similar to this with 24 or more megapixels is sufficient for any photography you need to accomplish.

Conclusion

If you like panoramas and you have some spare time, you’ll find the WWII Memorial is wonderful place to practice your photography.  Notice that the curves of the Memorial mimic the distortion of the panorama so it’s particularly appropriate for the subject matter.  Here are some more samples!  See you on the Mall!

Military Womens' MemorialNewly renamed from Women in Military Service

The Military Women's Memorial, formerly “Women in Military Service” is open for business. The new foundation head is CWS Phyllis J. Wilson. Donna Houle, friend and former director, was promoted up the hill and the new Director of the Memorial itself is Cathleen Pearl. The Memorial is getting a lot of attention this year.  Going back ten years Columbus HF did a special flight for women and most groups stop and take a picture of their women vets.  I was doing a book display at the Memorial the other day and Honor Air of Tennessee showed up with 100 women and two WWII vets.

While I have long enthused about the views from the terrace level, Honor Flight Columbus is using the terrace for their dinners at the end of the day.  There couldn't be a better-- spot other than the Air Force Memorial which will soon be closed.--so you might want to make arrangements.  I had ninety prints on display at the Women's Memorial for about 18 months so have spent a lot of quality time there.  A good portion of the roof is skylight with etched letters so It became my" office" for that period.

Central Missouri Honor Flights

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PROOFING GEORGETOWN PAGES IN DC PHOTO BOOKIt's photography and preservation as I was checking the Georgetown section of the book and realized I had images of the old barge!

Eastern National, the bookselling arm of the National Park Service just put my CHERRY BLOSSOM and the DC PHOTO BOOK into the Rock Creek house in the heart of Georgetown where they are available.  Selling on the Mall requires flexibility and low storage costs as the cost of real estate is outta sight!
PROOFING GEORGETOWN PAGES IN DC PHOTO BOOKIt's photography and preservation as I was checking the Georgetown section of the book and realized I had images of the old barge!

Vietnam MemorialA busy weekend with a Blue Ridge and several other Honor Flights

There is an app for the 55,000 names on the Vietnam Memorial which allows you to look up the location of names on the Wall.  There is a website for the names on the Korean Memorial "Wall of Remembrance" although it is designed to discourage rubbings but like the WWII Memorial, people will do what they do.  Some of the hubs like Central Missouri do etchings as requested by folks at home who couldn't make the trip and have made up custom paper with their imprint.  The etchings look spectacular and I asked Michelle Sprye of Missouri to write up a piece on producing these etching.

You've heard DC  referred to as the swamp and so it really is. All of our monuments and memorials are sinking!  Consistency and small print jobs on an annual basis help overcome the difficulty of doing an "up to date"  book on a group of buildings that seem to be in an endless rotation of construction. Apparently the basement of the Lincoln is undergoing major reconstruction and will be accessible sometime in the future....

The Park Police have a new stable located between the WWII and the Korea.  I predict it will be a major attraction. A long time ago...and far away...I did a story for National Geographic Children's World on how they train the horses.  I look forward to perhaps a repeat.  Below is a photograph of Blue Ridge Honor flight scheduled to fly soon.  It is lead by Jeff Miller who along with Earl Morse founded the Honor Flight Network.

Blue RidgeBlue Ridge Honor Flight at the LIncoln which will soon be closed so don't be planning on this angle for images!

Changing of the GuardThis is the ceremony that all try to see. The Tomb Guards pay special attention to Honor Flight and other distinguished veterans by scuffing their feet as they march their path.

Most Honor Flights visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and are one of the few groups allowed to bring a bus into the cemetery. If you've ever missed the bus, it's quite a hike and Cemetery is showing great respect for Honor Flight and its mission. I have joined Central Missouri Honor Flight several times and always with good result! 

20190618-_DSC6189 20191112-_DSC1608 20191112-_DSC1575 A Caisson circles the auditorium at Arlington. Normally the President will make his Memorial Day speech there.

"...to use the image once to depict Senator Dole in a display that shows all of the people of who lain in state or honor in the Capitol...."  

©srb0034dolemainfountainDSC1200pixNo usage w/o written permission of Stephen R. Brown, 3715 T Street NW, Washington, DC, 20007, 202-667-1965, 302-255-8635 &lt;[email protected]&gt;<br/>This copy: Senator Robert Dole licensed for a one time use for a Capitol exhibit on people who have lain in State at the Capitol.
 

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For the fourth edition of DC  PHOTO BOOK, I made images of the new Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge and adjacent waterways.  Maine Avenue (the Channel) and the Southeast areas were run down until the stadium was built and a focused group of builders set loose on the city.  Now, we have Congressman and Senators living on boats and the Maine Avenue Channel has become so popular with boaters that  the military is trying to limit civilian access to the waterway which not so surprisingly enough is where the Officers Club is.  Leaves a long-time Washingtonian to ask..."is that about national security or the Officers Club?"  

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On the North side of the bridge, we have "Capitol Riverfront" as its known.  Twenty years ago, the area was composed of derelict garages and run down buildings (see page 155) and is now an architectural free for all (below).  Looks like all the architects...freed from height restrictions and encouraged by the city...went crazy.  I began the third chapter of the book entitled THE NEW DC with the bridge as it symbolizes a new bold DC seeking but never achieving a vote.  

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WWII MEMORIAL

REVIEWS

I thought it was an excellent book on the WW11 Memorial.I received a copy when I went on my Honor Flight in September 2015. The one I ordered I sent to my wifes Uncle,he is unable to go on an Honor Flight and he is a hero of WW11 receiving a Silver Star and A Bronze Star in Europe. Thank you for sending it to me.it arrived in great shape.

I thought it was an excellent book on the WW11 Memorial.I recieved a copy when I went on my Honor Flight in September 2015.The one I ordered I sent to my wifes Uncle,he is unable to go on an Honor Flight and he is a hero of WW11 receiving a Silver Star and A Bronze Star in Europe. Thank you for sending it to me.it arrived in great shape.

Verified Purchase

My father a WWII vet was able to go on the Vets Roll trip of 2015 to see the monuments in D.C. after he returned I saw a copy of this book and was thrilled when I found it here. Best buy ever!

Verified Purchase

This is a lovely book, but not as I expected. I had bought this for an elderly WWII vet and the inscriptions aren't written so he can read them. It does have a lot of nice photos.

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2015

Verified Purchase

Bought this book for my Dad on his return from Honor Flight ... he loves it.

This is an outstanding book on the WWII Memorial...the photographs and writing show that the WWII is alive a is truly the "Jewel on the Mall" in Washington, DC. I have give this as gifts to WWII Veterans that I know.

Granny at the lake

Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2014

Verified Purchase

So impressed with our World War II Veterans and their service--a wonderful remembrance for any of them who make a visit to the Memorial--perhaps with an Honor Flight group

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COPYRIGHT STEPHEN R. BROWNThese images are copyright @Stephen R. Brown 2021 and not to be used without written permission

I was there frequently for World War II events and as the Honor Flights started rolling in. I began to get some pictures of the Memorial with ....Theresa Werner and her dancers, Dave Nichols and the Allied Airmen, George Kerestes, energetic hub leaders like Mary Petinato and record setting fund raisers and stadium filling doers like Stars and Stripes began showing up.  The White House News Photographers showed interest and newspapers and magazines began to do pieces on Honor Flight and the newly built World War II Memorial.  

My enthusiasm for the program is evidenced in the newly designed 98 pages which I have put up.  I began my career as a photogapher and writer for Time Life Books which was in the late 70's and 80's a going concern and a great place to learn to put books together. As I have often said..."better than working." We are on the planet for a short time and honoring our elderly is a noble cause.

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You can never have enough websites!

Word Press Blogs )2000-2005)These are early posts which are hosted on his.com who I'e worked with since the web first started up.

#rememberingbobdole

REMEMBERING BOB DOLEINSTAGRAM

GENERAL MILLEY PRESENTS FLAGHe is handing the flag to Mrs. Dole who has Robin Dolt the viewers next to her.

The funeral of Senator Robert Dole.  I was originally invited as a guest but I asked to go as a photographer.  He and I spent a lot of time hanging out at the WWII Memorial and so it meant quite a bit personally  to see him off as a photographer.  Occasionally I'd get a particularly nice image and his daughter Robin would send me a note.  He was a handsome guy with an easy smile.  He put out the effort to shake hands with veterans so I tried to post the images so those mostly veterans who didn't have a camera could download them. I tried as much as possible to use their cameras.

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He's certainly been given a spot with a nice view... from one angle, you can see the Capitol.  I'd like to thank the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Cemetery staff for your help.  Mrs. Dole giving Bob a peck is the first image I've included in this series as she took great care of him and modeled her organization after her experience caring for him. 

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Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley Senator Robert Dole's funeral.Robin Dole with General Milley   _DSC0404 _DSC0313 DSC00427

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#rememberingnbobdole

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He was a Senator and Presidential candidate who saw the world clearly.  Long after he left the Senate and ran for the Presidency, an issue would be solved, a law changed.... I took a certain pride in knowing the guy who made that stuff happen.  He took great pleasure in progress and worked for change in agriculture, education and healthcare....and of course veterans benefits.  I got to know him better when I starting documenting the WWII Memorial in 2001-2004.  He supported my being on the construction site and wrote the introduction to the book.  He then encouraged my participation in Honor Flight and from then on we saw a lot of each other!   

I was the only photographer present when he invited all the Senators and Congressmen who were WWII veterans to lunch in April 2004 at the World War II Memorial a week before it was opened.  It was a beautiful Spring day and we sat in the warm sun on the plaza and they told jokes.  I suppose it was his way of thanking them for their service and also for the site location which was a hotly debated subject. He knew the real cost of war and was a sensible force.

And yes...He would come down to the Memorial for most of a day and often.  He enjoyed chatting and would sit with veterans all day long if he could...and he did!

I'll miss you Bob.

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Senator Robert Dole's life was celebrated at the National Cathedral today. President Biden spoke about his thirty year working relationship with Dole.  After the funeral, the motorcade  sped down to the WWII Memorial where Milley, Tom Hanks and Mrs. Dole spoke.

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Dave Nichols and I quite literally "missed the bus" to the WWII Memorial  and so we ended up stuck in the Northwest in an amazing traffic jam.  So we decided to make a nice lunch of it on a Friday afternoon and reminisce about Senator Dole and Honor Flight.   Honor Flight was mentioned by almost every speaker at the ceremony so Senator Dole had been spreading the word in powerful places.  He liked making things happen and considered any effort necessary to achieve his goals a pleasure rather than a chore. 

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I grabbed a couple of snaps of Dave Nichols and Carol Harlow.  
 

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The "Kleenex Box on the Hudson" is extending itself outdoors with a new section called "The Reach".  Here a sculptural piece by Joel Shapiro called "Blue" is on display in the informal outdoor area.   

After making a few group pictures with Stars and Stripes at the Iwo, we headed over to the Air Force Memorial.   I wandered and watched VIP Photography's Angela Wangrud do an amazing job of documenting this rich history we are making. Her company VIP supplies several photographers and then archives the images for the veteran and their family. 

Iwo Jima Memorial Stars and Stripes

Tara ElizabethTara was delighted to be out on such a beautiful day and supporting Honor Flight Syracuse. DFW VeteransDFW Veterans reading the "stats" on Iwo Jima.

AIR FORCE MEMORIALStars and Stripes Honor Flight enters the Air Force Memorial.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER AT AF MEMORIAL   Sue TripodiSue Tripodi drives down from New Jersey to greet and act as a guardian for Honor Flights. Stars and Stripes Air Force Vets at the Air Force Memorial   Stars and Stripes Interview Air Force Memorial Honor Flight Syracuse

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Arlington Cemetery

When visiting Arlington Cemetery, respect the sacrifice!
 

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Next stop was the WWII Memorial which I always recommend for group photos because it is surrounded by symbolism and your veteran and sponsor will always have a reminder of the history involved.

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From there to the Korea, Lincoln and Vietnam where the veterans spread out.  I was enjoying an ice cream bar and conversation with a couple of the veterans when the skies opened up.  Wow!  Lightning, Thunder, flooding ...the works but no match for the well-prepared which I was not.  

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The Military Womens Memorial for 9.11 ceremonies concluded a 177 mile run to preserve the memory of the 177 servicewomen who laid down their lives in response to 9.11.  The run concluded at the gates to the Cemetery where CWS Phyllis J. Wilson, the new Foundation President gave a speech to the assembled group. Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director of Army Cemeteries spoke followed by Alan Wallace, a Ft. Meyer fire fighter and first responder who said the Pledge of Allegiance. Alan was one of the firefighters on duty 9.11.

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I met briefly with the new Executive Director Cathleen Pearl and former Director Donna Houle who generously gave Honor Flight Chicago shelter in a horrendous rainstorm a couple of years ago!  We filled the auditorium!  She has been the backbone of the Memorial and has been promoted up the hill.  However, the new Director Cathleen Pearl is looking forward to seeing Honor Flights rain or shine!

The ceremony was closed down with a beautiful rendition of Taps by SSG Alicia Eisenstadt, USA.  US ARMY BAND

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INSIDERS WASHINGTON: HISTORYWhile the Korea Memorial is under construction there is only a limited view of the Memorial but there are ten pages in DC PHOTO BOOK.

Image 8-18-21 at 9.39 PM Honor Flight Chicago rolled into town today signaling the return of Honor Flights and Good Karma!  Jenny Brawley and Doug Mefley arranged for the Arlington Police to escort them into town so they were "styling" as they entered the Iwo Jima.   I used a long lens to capture this image which was used to head up 

Prior to Chicago's arrival, I managed to make a few images of the Marine Silent Drill Team practicing.  As the veterans assembled and the team began to perform,  the skies opened up and you can see the volunteers ready with ponchos.  

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An hour later, we gathered at the WWII Memorial where I had a chance to witness the first ceremony of the new year and a more organized Honor Flight.   Congratulations to everyone involved.  It was fantastic!  Thank you. I haven't had that much fun in sixteen long months!

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WWII REENACTORSWELCOME HONOR FLIGHT! Sid Wade and Sara Sheffield greeting vets at the WWII Memorial.

This Wednesday August 18th, Honor Flight Chicago will be the first Honor Flight to visit DC in some sixteen months. Sid and Sarah are holding my Honor Flight book currently only available with the DC PHOTO BOOK.  
 

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The DC PHOTO BOOK has ten pages devoted to Korea, ten pages devoted to Vietnam, four pages to the Women's Memorial at Arlington and another ten to the Cemetery.  It's particularly valuable this year as Korea is under construction and is a mess. 

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Dear Dr. Fauci:Vaccinate Me!

I am fully vaccinated and my paperwork is done for Honor Flight. Getting through TSA is ALWAYS a hassle and so I have CLEAR and TSA membership and am thinking of having my vaccination card tattooed on my wrist... I am looking forward to seeing the Honor Flights back on the Mall.  Any advice on tattoos?

As you can see, it's a experience I wouldn't want to miss!

Honor Flight Opening

DC PHOTO BOOKS
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Welcome Back!  I have missed getting out to document the hubs and anticipating seeing you at the airports and on the Mall.   

You should have received a copy of my small Honor Flight Book this month.  As always, I look forward to continuing my documentation of Honor Flight and that has grown to ninety plus pages.  While I rarely take notes, I've sporadically keep a JOURNAL to remind me of the amazingly beautiful spirit of volunteerism alive in this country.   Over the past sixteen years, both the blog and Honor Flight have grown.  I've added some information in the blogs about the various memorials which may be helpful in your planning.  

I made the WWII Memorial Book as a tribute to my father who was a WWII Veteran and also as a tribute to the American craftsmanship which is embodied in these Memorials.  I hope my books which many of the Honor Flights gift to their veterans allow the veterans to "continue the day" with their families. 

There are four books/items described in detail at DC PHOTO BOOKS.  I recommend the "limited edition"  DC PHOTO BOOK as the most elegant of my productions and the best value as it is shrink wrapped with the Honor Flight book.  Insert the code "honorflighthub" into the discount box and you receive the discount.  The WWII Memorial book and the two postcard packs are automatically discounted.  I've set up the books and the boxes they come in for ease of handling and identification.  

The average delivery time nationwide is a week.  With the new shopping cart and warehouse, you will receive tracking throughout.  Any questions, feel free to call or text me.  I've updated my fine art website "srbphoto.com" and if you need me, call/text: 202-255-8635.  Email:  [email protected]

Here's a contemporary price sheet of the available inventory:
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September 2018.Welcome Honor Flight!

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Talked with Senator Dole the other day.  He's doing a piece for the Honor Flight Summit and we got to talking about his cancer which he is is optimistic about.  He's an amazing and inspirational man.

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PRESS RELEASE THANKS TO DANIEL ARANT: National Park Volunteer, Vietnam Veteran and Historian.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Veterans Affairs officials are lifting all restrictions on visitors to veterans cemeteries across the country provided that they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. That means no masks, no social distancing and no limits on group size at any of the 155 national cemeteries, starting May 26. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are expected to continue wearing masks and avoiding crowds, in keeping with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Officials at Arlington National Cemetery — arguably the best known veterans cemetery in America, but actually operated by the Army — are expected to announce new visitation rules for next week’s holiday soon. That site typically drew tens of thousands of visitors in the week before and after Memorial Day, but saw far fewer last year because of pandemic restrictions.

The mask and crowd size restrictions have been in place since last June, following a 10-week partial closure of the cemetery sites at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Funeral services have been ongoing but limited to small numbers of immediate family members. Public gatherings have been curtailed.

Officials said large-scale events typically held over Memorial Day weekend still will not be held at the sites this year, because of ongoing worries about mass gatherings. But individuals and families planning on visiting the cemeteries will be able to resume activities under the same protocols as before the pandemic began.

“For those of us in the VA and especially those in the National Cemetery Administration, Memorial Day is one of the most important days of the year,” acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ron Walters told reporters on Friday.  “I’m sure many families will be happy to get the news that there will no longer be a limit on the number of people who can attend these services.”

VA officials could not estimate how many individuals may visit the cemeteries next week as a result of the loosened rules. Local staff have been conducting burial and committal ceremonies since last summer, and grounds crews have been maintaining sites throughout the pandemic.

“All of our district directors said that lifting [the restrictions] does not pose any additional challenges to the cemeteries,” Walvers said. “We’ve still had a cemetery representative there, the cemetery directors still needed to be there. Things were already kept up prior to the new

 COVID guidance.”

Families who had a small funeral service during the height of the pandemic can request a larger memorial service now if they want to include a larger crowd in their mourning. Walters said he does not anticipate those requests to add significant workload to staff.

VA officials will not be checking individuals’ vaccine status, but are asking all visitors to use common sense and respect other families by following vaccine guidelines and staying home if they are feeling ill.

About 93 percent of all veterans in America today live within 75 miles of a national or local veterans cemetery, according to the National Cemetery Administration.

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Leaving a penny means you visited and want to thank the veteran of the armed forces for their service. A nickel left at a grave means you trained at boot camp with the deceased servicemen, while a dime suggests you served with him or her. Paula Nelson of Stars and Stripes made this little side trip for a one of the veterans who wanted to spend a minute with his nephew. 
 

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San DiegoSan Diego Honor Flight in the Fall of 2019

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Two mothers making a difference. Founding an Honor Flight Network hub (Honor Flight of Greater Lafayette) @Pam Mow and Dana Vann are Gold Star Moms who I had the pleasure of meeting frequently on the Mall.

They began with the intention of taking a single trip for 84 World War II veterans and by the time they finished, they’d organized flights that carried roughly 1,800 World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans and their guardians.

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WWII MEMORIAL SHOW AT THE WOMEN'S MUSEUM

Plan time to visit the WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE TO AMERICA Memorial(WIMSA).  DC PHOTO BOOK is the only publication that highlights the Women's Memorial. It is is one of the more significant yet invisible architectural triumphs in DC and probably one of the best-kept secrets in Washington, DC.  

Honor Flights have special access to Arlington Cemetery and WIMSA is an easy stop and an opportunity to register your women veterans.  Talons Out, Columbus and Rhode Island Firefighters have all had "women flights" (aka"Rosies") which featured the Memorial.  Brigadier General Pat Foote, one of the founders of WIMSA was at the first Honor Flight Summit and later spoke at an Honor Flight Summit. She is a dynamic and engaging person.

The interior has sweeping forty foot glass ceilings which blow vast amounts of light into the interior.   My show on the WWII Memorial was 440 feet long with 20×30 inch prints hung two high. It was in place for eighteen months and I loved going over there and hanging out! Great place to have a meeting!

wimsacolumbus_DSC7556National WWII MEMORIAL FROM JEWEL OF THE MALL
 

Don’t forget to take a stroll on the roof terrace.  The elevators are adjacent to the bookstore and there are steps on the sides of the Memorial.  Once you are there, you realize that you are in the center of the cemetery with a close view of the Lee Mansion and Kennedy's Grave.  

ROOFTOP TERRACE VIEW

The view of LEE HOUSE from the roof terrace of WIMSA

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Senator Bob Dole (above right)  has taken on a new role - Chair of the Honor Flight Association Ambassadors Program.

On a zoom interview, Senator Dole expressed his happiness accepting this new endeavor. “Honor Flight is a great program and I understand it’s going to be continued next year. Maybe I’ll be able to go down for one flight to say goodbye.”

I promise to be there!

For years, Senator Dole has been at the World War Two Memorial greeting Veterans who come to visit aboard an Honor Flight. The organization brings 20,000 Veterans a year at no cost to the Veterans to the World War 2 Memorial. Dole shared with me he so enjoys greeting the Veterans. 

"Shaking their hands, getting his picture taken with them, and sharing stories about their service."

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After three plus years of extraordinary leadership, Dave Nichols is handing the reins of Honor Flight over to Dave Smith (above), founder of San Diego Honor Flight.  David Smith's initial interest in Honor Flight was through his father's WWII experience and a trip with him to Pearl Harbor.  When he heard that there was no Honor Flight in the San Diego area, he created one which brings veterans for two nights and three days.  For the past decade, he has worked as a leader of the San Diego hub and an active member of the National Board and so is uniquely qualified to lead us. Below is a picture of San Diego's hub!

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Dave Nichol's ("Sparky") initial interest came from his being his father's guardian on a Rochester Honor Flight.  As Dave lives in the DC area, he was soon showing up to support every Rochester Honor Flight and soon became a member of the re-enactors group, the "Allied Airmen's Preservation Society" (aka Sparky).  He soon took control of Memorial Drive and the Park Police escorts began asking Dave where he wanted the buses.  During his tenure, he brought new tech to the organization of 131 hubs, flights and arrivals... and new leadership.  I was sure to meet him early every Super-Saturday. 

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Jane Julian another long time employee was responsible for the "Lone Eagle" program and managed to bring together a variety of veterans from all over the country for a weekend in DC.  She did it graciously and flew in from Louisiana and recently West Virginia to make the veterans comfortable.  She will be retiring this year. 

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To my surprise, Senator Dole called today out of the blue to say that he was feeling pretty good given he had just had day one of his treatment. I think that he likes to share with fellow patients and I just finished a successful treatment myself.  The grapevine goes deep!  We chatted about the success and professionalism of Honor Flight which is his favorite cause.  His tenacity is considerable and for the first four or five years of Honor Flight, you couldn't stop him from talking about it.  Persistence works! 

We also agreed to get down to the WWII Memorial for a photo session when the weather gets warmer.  I'm looking forward to seeing him.  This picture was taken in 2005 for the introductory page of "WWII MEMORIAL: Jewel of the Mall"....still my favorite book and my favorite Senator! 

It was taken for  on a beautiful Spring day in 2005. Hundreds of people were strolling by the fenced-in construction area and when they recognized Senator Dole, they started waving.  He couldn't resist and went over to the fence and was pressing the flesh (fortunately for me on the other side of the fence or it would have been the end of the photo session).  After ten--actually twenty anxious--minutes I had to remind the Senator that we had six locations to go and a bunch of notables who also wanted their pictures with him.  At the end of the hour long session, he pointed to my daughter and said that "young lady didn't get her portrait with me."  His attention to detail is amazing and his ease with folks is legendary.  

LAST FLIGHT OF THE SEASONCentral Missouri exits the airport and heads for the Iwo Jima Memorial on their fifth flight of the year.

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LAST FLIGHT OF THE SEASON

I met Central Missouri Honor Flight at the airport where once again the DCA Honor Flight Volunteers performed the miracle of fish and loaves by getting the whole airport to stop and cheer while the Missouri veterans transited the airport.  You could sense an elevated positive mood alteration as everyone from shop keepers to travelers had stopped their busy day and were cheering for the veterans. I hang with some pretty well-traveled folks and Honor Flights are everywhere...even in the New York Times which did a great article on Honor Flight.  

The impact of Honor Flight extends into the community through travelers, families and countless thousands as they traverse the Mall. This Honor Flight gig could get addictive. Proof of that is our DCA volunteers who are at the airport morning and afternoon for every flight. 

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We had the good fortune to have Steve Jones as our motorcycle escort.  He is a classic "motorman" and dresses elegantly for a crazy and cold job particularly on this November Day!  With the short day that an Honor Flight hub bas in DC, the escorts save us approximately two hours of travel and parking time. We managed to get to every Memorial of note in six hours and get back to the airport on time.  On a warmer day, we might have lingered a bit but...

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ARLINGTON CEMETERY

 Our first appointment of the day was at Arlington Cemetery for the Changing of the Guards.  This Summer, the Tomb has been particularly crowded but it was empty today because of the cold weather.  We had the opportunity not only to see the changing of the guards but also a wreath laying put on by a local middle school.  

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For those of you unfamiliar with this ceremony, the Old Guard changes every hour in the Winter. When Honor Flight veterans are on the scene, they acknowledge their presence by scraping their heels as they go by.  Woe is the person who makes too much noice during the ceremony as a really embarrassing and noisy "dressing down"  follows.  

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The group portrait is done on the steps of the Amphitheater. I wait for Angela Barnes Barrett to set up the photo and take mine as soon as she's finished.  Good to watch these youngsters do all the work.  

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WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE TO AMERICA

We had a great stop at WIMSA and Director Donna Houle personally stepped out and gave a tour of the building and registered our three women veterans with their computer database.  The Memorial is under renovation at the moment and will soon have new displays. I am hoping to work on a photographic exhibit of women combat photographers.  Should be cool!

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IWO JIMA

When we arrived at the Iwo Jima  Memorial, Anika Oyen assembled the Marines to honor Elemer J. Dapron who recently passed away. A well-known Jefferson City business man and success story, he gave up his spot on an earlier Honor Flight to another veteran and passed away before he could join us today.  He fought both in WWII and Korea and was ultimately knighted by the Queen.  Pretty interesting for a guy who grew up homeless and taught himself to read.  

Anika distributed a handful of black sand from Iwo Jima beach in memory of Elmer. The thimbleful of sand which will soon wash away but our little ceremony will blossom in the memory of all who were present. Each hub has a flavor of its own and Missouri is marked by small moments like this which usually translate into great stories.... of which one Rodney Griffiin is a tale for another time (see the HONOR FLIGHT BOOK)...

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20191112-_DSC1756Anika Oyen distributes sand from Iwo Jima near the basis of the Memorial.

GRAND TOUR

The caravan then took the grand tour around town with a brief stop at the Navy Memorial.  A sailor at heart, I was disappointed to see that the water from the seven seas and the Great Lakes was not in the gorgeous fountains.  We did however get to pose with the "LONE SAILOR" and commemorate a veterans life with a photo.  

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WWII MEMORIAL PORTRAITS

It was absolutely frigid by time we got to the WWII MEMORIAL but we had an hour to get the few WWII Veterans out to see their Memorial and make a few images.

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KOREA, LINCOLN AND VIETNAM

Our next stop was the South circle adjacent to Lincoln and we had choice spots by the concession stand which despite the cold served up a Dove bar...you gotta stay warm! Energized, I wandered over to Korea and began organizing the Korea Veterans who surprisingly had stayed together making this photograph of all of them possible.

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I spent the remainder of the trip discussing book publishing issues and trying to get a feel for whether the soft, hard and "limited edition" books were most popular.  Publishing on a yearly basis gives me a chance to update and improve the books and there is economy in focus.  

I've been reading a lot of Bill Gates and Steven Pinker and will be working on my Honor Flight and DC PHOTO BOOKS publishing projects.  Looking forward to 2021 where we will all be vaccinated and flying.  DC is not the same without you!

It's hard to describe the intensity of easily 5000 plus people lined up in a gauntlet which it's a pleasure to run and run I did.  By time everyone it was over, I had traversed the walk probably ten times and each pass brought new pictures.

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We arrived back at BWI after another exciting United States Park Police escort.  It's amazing how traffic disappears when you have a couple of motorcycles leading the way.  As a photographer, I am used to be searched "thoroughly" and this being the second Honor Flight I've flown with, I am amazed that we cruise through security without stopping.  The last time I wasn't searched, I was traveling on Air Force Two with Ronald Reagan!  Presidential Treatment!

About 30 minutes into the flight all of the volunteers began assembling for mail call. This is a much talked about Honor Flight tradition and so I was particularly anxious and grateful to be present for this.  It was everything I imagined and the emotional reaction of the veterans was deeply felt.

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As we were descending into the airport, Quarterback Bill Schroeder made a farewell speech from the front of the plane and not only was he moved to tears but I suspect everyone on the plane felt the same.  It's hard to focus when you are tearing up.  I made one good frame and it summed up the day. 20191019-_DSC0565

CONTINUED....

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BWI ARRIVAL

BWISeveral hundred fans lined the hallways of BWI to greet Stars and Stripes three planes.   

As we arrived at BWI, we got the water cannon salute and as we deplaned,  there were a couple of hundred well-wishers lined up at the gate and more scattered along the hallways as the veterans headed for the buses.  Dave Nichols and Meredith Rosenbeck were on hand to greet all three planes.  Glen was also on hand

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And we are off for another fun filled United States Park Police escort which was thrilling, action packed and always a crowd pleaser.  Time is always short and so we were off to our only appointment of the day:  the Tomb of the Unknown. Honor Flight is I believe the only organization that the Cemetery allows to bring buses.  Having walked the hill, it's a pleasure to ride!

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Arlington National Cemetery

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IWO JIMA MEMORIAL

Next stop the Iwo Jima Memorial where we assembled for individual and group photos with the players. One of the great luxuries of the day for me was that VIP Photography was on the job and set the group photographs up. This group photography business is nerve wracking as you have approximately 150 people who are not paying attention but will be disappointed if they can't see themselves in the print.  And you have to do it perched on a wheelchair! HERDING CATS!

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LINCOLN, VIETNAM AND KOREA

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WWII MEMORIAL
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CONTINUED IN PART THREE WHERE WE FLY BACK TO GREEN BAY

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San Diego Honor Flight arrives at BWI Airport San Diego Honor Flight arrives at BWI Airport

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Rear Admiral Crow gave a talk on the four ships with the name "San Diego:.

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I was at the WWII Memorial to photograph Senator Dole yesterday. And while I intended to make a few frames and leave. Nevada and Columbus came in together and some four hours later, the last Honor Flight left and Senator Dole and I packed it up and headed home.  

Due to scheduling, I have been missing Columbus. Today I managed to meet the new Honor Flight Columbus lead Pete MacKenzie, Beth Johnson and Cindy Kanwar.  As they had not planned a group shot, they left it to me and we managed to round up ALL of the veterans which took a few minutes.  The volunteers and tourists kindly obliged my constant pleas to move back and we managed to get it done.

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Beth Johnson has been doing an amazing job of social media and web for Honor Flight Columbus and she had her day with her today on his birthday.  Cindy Kanwar and I after many posts exchanged on Facebook finally had our selfie in person and Pete MacKenzie's daughter Melanie met the buses on Homeland Drive.  

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Senator Dole with various and sundry

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20180609-DSC_9318  Jon Yuspa's mom

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Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses Blue Ridge Honor Flight greeting and heading for buses

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Park Police EscortAlways one of the more thrilling parts of the day. _DSC5150

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BLUE RIDGE HF AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL

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Dave Nichols and Keith Gentry

Next, Korea where I found Stars and Stripes forming up for a group picture. As usual, they had two groups of five buses alternating around the Mall. Amidst the crowds and chaos and wailing sirens, Paula Nelson remains unflappable. Stars and Stripes has always been of the "go big or go home" approach and she carries on the tradition.

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I followed Stars and Stripes to the Air Force Memorial, took a few images and then...

Stars and Stripes AlphaAT the Air Force Memorial

...over to the Vietnam Memorial where I found Ron Newsum of Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight (Eastern Iowa) and his veterans.  The switch to Korea and in particular Vietnam has been an easy one and as most of the veterans are around my age, we always end up chatting for a good while. I was at the Wall the day it opened and slept on top of the Wall to secure my position.  That photo is in DC PHOTO BOOK.   

Ron NewsumBrush Creek Area Honor Flight, Eastern Iowa

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As I was leaving, Stars and Stripes five bus "B group" was filtering into the Memorial with Angela Wangrud, Stars and Stripes principal photographer who was working with a group of veterans at the Wall.

Angela Wangrudand Stars and Stripes Vietnam Veterans. angelea
The roster called for seven of the flights to converge on the WWII Memorial in the afternoon. I arrived to find Stars and Stripes Alpha team already there with good friend Jody Baber Mclain of Badger Honor Flight pushing a chair to help out. She is pictured with C. Patrick McCourt who works with the "Allied Airmen's Preservation Alliance" as a greeter.  He is a "frequent flier" at the Memorial.

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Jon Yuspa and Jody McLainJohn has started a new hub in his home state of Maryland.
While chatting with Jody, I mentioned that I thought the hubs were crowding each other at the WWII Memorial in the afternoon.  Turns out as most of these veterans were Korea/Vietnam, all the hubs had chosen to concentrate on Korea and Vietnam in the AM while the vets were fresh.

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After that, I had the opportunity to take a walk aound the Memorial with Leatherstocking Honor Flight's Jim and Barbara Furlong.  

Barb and Jim FurlongLeatherstocking Honor Flight

As we were strolling around, we met a veteran who was having an emotional time of it and Barbara seemed to know when to hug him and settle him down. While Honor Flight makes no claim to healing, a nice hug at the right time might be just the thing!

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A hug at the right time

I have been doing Leatherstocking's photo for years and since they decided to do it at the Lincoln, I hopped on the bus.

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Glen Anderson directs Blue Ridge Honor Flight vets to bus

Living in DC, it's much easier to get to Reagan Airport than BWI but I wanted to cover the ground crew there as well for future publication.  Not being a morning person, I stayed at the BWI Hilton Friday night so I could get a little extra sleep in the AM.  This allowed me to greet San Diego Honor Flight Friday afternoon and Blue Ridge in the morning.  There were nine water cannon salutes and I missed every one of them!  Guess that tree didn't fall!

Rochester Arrival

BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides BWI GROUND CREWOn Saturday May 4th, nine Honor Flight hubs arrived at BWI airport to be greeted by scores of greeters, guardians and tour guides

Honor Flight Maine with banners blowing.

Minnesota Honor Flight was accompanied by Tami Stieger so I let her do all the work and then slipped in and made a few pictures.  The group was small enough that they fit against the Wall of Stars.

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WINDY!Winds bowed the head of the Honor Guard.

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Cleveland was a small enough group that I was able to make a photograph of them from the side and I very much like the final composition.  

Cleveland Honor Flight

HF ClevelandThe Gibonys: flight leaders and husband and wife. I am noticing a lot of husband and wives and close family running these flights.

As the winds got stronger during the day, i kept moving the groups away from the fountain.  Everyone was very helpful in making the photographs possible. 
Honor Flight Columbus

Honor Flight has become so well known that tourists and school children all lined the walkway from Homeland Drive to the Memorial.  It's always quite touching to see everyone greeting the veterans.

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Every Saturday, DCA Honor Flight Volunteers come in and shake hands with incoming veterans.

Pete Mackenzie talking to veterans before flag ceremony

Senator Dole showed up around noon and stayed for three hours shaking hands with veterans, tourists and international visitors as well.  

Senator Dole Senator Dole Senator Dole

_DSC4341 Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans Students, tourists and families gathered around to greet the veterans

Greater PeoriaThree photographers made the setup easy

Arlington Cemetery Arlington Cemetery Arlington Cemetery Arlington Cemetery Arlington Cemetery Arlington Cemetery

Students sang for veterans

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Arriving at the WWII Memorial, I found Greater St. Louis Honor Flight just getting off the buses. With no agendas or specific photos to be taken, I wandered down with flight leader Rolando Lopez into the Plaza.

Greater St. Louis Honor Flight arrives at the WWII Memorial IMG_0272 Bob Obrien and son Volunteers for Greater St. Louis IMG_0286

Rolando said he had a special guest with him and suggested I ride with him over to Arlington. The special guest was Marine Corps Drill Sgt Helen Bidnick Kevrick, the first women Drill Instructor in the Marine Corps long history.  On our way up to see the Changing of the Gaurds, we stopped by the Women in Military Service Memorial where she was given a plaque commemorating her service.  

Drill Instructor Sgt Helen Bidnick Kevrick,is given a certificate of valor by ______ at the Women's Memorial.From Robin Kevrick Baker's post: "...Helyn was the first female drill instructor in the USMC. She has always been an incredible woman who had an incredible influence on me. And she (along with my Uncle Morris) gave me a whole bunch of wonderful cousins."
Changing of the Guardwitnessed by Greater St. Louis

As the Changing of the Guard ceremony concluded, I ran into Brian Ziegler and @Jodi McClain who needed a group photograph taken and shipped to Wisconsin. I left Rolando and assembled both the veterans and then the veterans and the guardians.  We didn't make the deadline but it was a fun picture to take.

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9/11 Memorial with Talon's Honor FlightDiscussing the arc of the plane into the Pentagon.

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The 9/11 Memorial was our first stop.  It's an understated Memorial to the lives lost that day.  Laid out by the age of victims, the benches point towards or away from the Pentagon to indicate whether they were in the building or the plane. 

Lauren Burycka

From the 9/11, we worked our way over to the Iwo Jima Memorial where the veterans posed for pictures. There is construction on the steps on both the East and West sides of the Monument so watch your veterans and warn them.  

Talons Out

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The Air Force Memorial has become a favorite spot for Honor Flights to take a break, have lunch and gather thoughts as they proceed through the day.

Air Force MuseumGrowing in popularity with the Flights as a perfect place to stop and take in the view.
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I had the opportunity to visit with three Honor Flights this Saturday and work the crowds at the Reagan gates and take two group pictures. The DCA Honor Flight Greeters hooked me up with a gate pass and so I was able to photograph both Dayton Honor Flight lead by Al Bailey who has been doing this since 2005/6 and Talons Out Honor Flight lead by Bobbi Bradley. As they arrived, they were greeted with the customary water arch in tribute and as they deplaned by throngs of people, bands and bystanders who stuck out their hands to say thanks.  Greg Locher and Carol Cloyd from American Airlines made sure all went well at the gates. A few of the greeters will spend the rest of the day as either volunteers or tour guides for the hubs.  

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Bobbi BradleyBobbi Bradley leader of Talons Honor Flight arrives in DC

Talons Out had 84 Veterans total.  They were 14 WWII Vets, 14 Korean War Vets and 56 Vietnam Veterans.  They are planning two to three more flights depending on how fund raising goes.  

Al Bailet, Honor Flight Dayton

Honor Flight Greeters Honor Flight Greeters Honor Flight Greeters

After leaving the gates, we boarded the buses and were met by our Park Police escorts among them Steve Jones, motorman extraordinaire.  He's got the loudest bike in the fleet and watching him break up traffic or a crowd on the bike is just amazing.  With the tie and the new motorman's cap, he was looking sharp. No matter what kind of ride you're on, you can't be cooler than a motorman!

Steve Jones had a new "motorman's cap"...tres cool
Kevin Mont pictured below with Angela Petit was the bus driver. As he's a retired police officer himself, the relationship  between he and the escorts is solid.  I'm still holding my breath thinking about the buses weaving pretty nimbly behind the cycles and the officers dashing into intersections while waving cars over. I haven't had that much fun since I worked traveling pool at the White House. It is apparently the most remarked on activity in the Honor Flight Day. We are lucky to have the escorts as it saves two plus hours per day.

Honor Flight Greeters Honor Flight Greeters

To be continued

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George Farrell and his team from Rhode Island were inspired to do an "all women" vet flights and with the support of the Federated Women's Clubs of America and other donations, they managed to get the ladies down here and show them their memorials.  Their first and longest stop was at the Women's Memorial just before they traveled up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

Four Senators met at the WWII Memorial to greet the Women Veterans

I met them at the WWII Memorial and managed to get a few pictures of the assembled dignitaries.  George managed to get Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole and Senator Jack Reed and Senator Maggie Hassan assemble as the women got off the bus. They were a boisterous and good natured group and Sparky and I went over to Arlington to join them for dinner. 

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Rochester Honor Flight was escorted by the BWI Brownies a motorcycle group lead by Keith Gentry, a retired Maryland policeman.. They have been meeting Honor Flights for five or six years now and add to the sense of welcome at the WWII Memorial.  Like everyone in Honor Flight, they have been changing it up lately by meeting groups not just at the airport but also escorting them at the various Memorials.  ;

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Vince Wilson and the Gotta Swing In Support of Honor Flight is a regular greeter.  
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George Kerestes has been a volunteer since before the Memorial opened.  He would show up in a business suit with an American Flag tie and greet some of the veterans who were hanging out watching the construction. 
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Honor Flight Austin

It was a beautiful day in Paradise as @Honor Flight Austin lined up for pictures.  Lead by Tina Lee and Alan Bergeron they assembled for pictures both outside the book store and on the Mall with both the Lincoln and the Washington for backgrounds.  Talk about nice choices!

Austin

One sign of Spring in DC is monumental traffic around the Cherry Blossoms.  Seven Honor Flights plunged into gridlock but no problem...Park Police escorts simply closed Independence for a few minutes while they brought the buses against traffic from the Lincoln to the WWII Memorial.  

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_DSC3304 _DSC3333 Tina Lee

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TO BE CONTINUED....

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Lauren Burycka and W.Bart Smith of Honor Flight DCA with Christina Bauer of The Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington DC put on an introduction to twenty five Guild Members interested in volunteering with Honor Flight hubs. Guild members are required to go through intense training and licensing. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the city and its history and as a book publisher, valuable allies in documenting the city.  

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Guild Guides like Jodi Alleva Swacha and Laura Nelson-bolick are already volunteering frequently and Honor Flight DCA is looking for volunteers to serve more hubs.  As a "Friend of the Guild", I got an invitation and stopped by to see the presentation which was extraordinarily moving. It inspired a room full of guides to volunteer.  Honor Flight DCA  has developed into a full service organization to serve hubs coming into DC.  Lauren was going to be leading a tour of Arlington Cemetery for new volunteers so Honor Flight is turning into an opportunity to learn about the city.  In fact, Bart Smith's voluteering with Honor Flight hubs ended him up in the Guild where he serves as Treasurer. 

The meeting was held in Terminal A, the old part of Reagan Airport and the area is filled with romantic pictures of the airport when air travel was more hospitable.  

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HONOR FLIGHT DCA BOOK CLUB
Honor Flight DCAHONOR FLIGHT DCA book club members gathered in the airport this morning.

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Honor Flight continues to grow and prosper. Dave Nichols (aka: Sparky) has streamlined operations and the board's choice of new CEO Meredith Rosenbeck to run the organization has certainly upped the Network game. Summit talks covered security, health, chartering, transition and general veteran care. Meredith handled legal affairs for the Network prior to this so she's familiar with the issues hubs have.  

The new phone app allowed attendees to move between sessions with ease and make the most of the short time we have for the Summit.  On Sunday I was the very much surprised recipient of a flag ceremony performed by Dave Bauer and Jerry Keyser. Quite an honor! 

Behind the Scenes

Board of Directors@Brian Ziegler, Bill Welser (@Space Coast Hnnor Flight), Carol Harlow, Dave Nicols, Meredith Rosenbeck, Scott Fraser, Paula Nelson (Stars and Stripes) and Theresa Warner (Gottaswing Dancers).