In honor of the fallen.

[squbrigg]

As mentioned in another thread before Christmas, my wife and I celebrated our 36 th wedding anniversary in mid December. I was in the service at the time, as was my best man and usher, young and full of promise.

The week before our anniversary, six more young men were killed in Afganastan, and the national newspaper I read, ran a photo spread of all of the young men and women, who have given their lives over there, in the service of their country. I didn't know any of them personally, but they each looked familiar to me. They all reminded me of men and women, that I had the pleasure of serving with, they all had the familiar "look". When I awoke the day of our anniversary, I was thinking of all of these young men, and their faces stayed in my mind all day. We went out to dinner that evening and when we came home and snuggled in to enjoy a cup of tea, I told her what had been on my mind and pre-occupying me all day. I'm afraid she thought I was loosing it, but understood.

One of the last group of three who had been killed, was a very young man, Private Jones, who bore a striking resemblance to a fella that I went through basic with, so I selected him as my subject. I deceided to carve a bust of one of these 103 soldiers, to honor them. I'm not a great carver, and busts are not my strong suite, but it just seemed like it was something I felt that I had to do. I'm sure some of you may understand this? My daughter, the real artist in the family, told me that this is exactly what an artist does. Is inspired to create something to honor something that has effected them emotionally.

Emotionally is the right word too. When I gazed into my four month old granddaughters eyes, I could not help but thinking that those men and women will never get to look into the eyes of their granddaughters or sons or daughters, or in most cases, ever have sons or daughters. They will never get to snuggle close to their wives and sweethearts and enjoy the simple comforts that we take for granted each day of our lives. I do not pity these fallen men and women, because they were doing exactly what they loved, they were serving their country and doing the right thing, and were proud to do it. I am honoring them and recognizing their sacrafice.

The carving is finished, and I hope does this young man justice. I have deceided to send it off to the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces, our Governor General, to do with it as she thinks fit.

When you raise a glass this New Years and celebrate the coming year, say a silent prayer or thought to all of the men and women who serve their country, at home and abroad and honor their service and the memory of those who have given all for, you!

Bob

[catbird]

Bob, what a wonderful tribute! The carving is splendid. We are indeed blessed by the courage shown by these young people.
My prayers and thoughts are with them daily, as they should be. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts with us. You are truly an inspiration.

[Buckskin]

Bob, AMEN, Brother!

Great work. I think its a striking resemblance. I hope the Canadian CIC finds a place of prominence for it and where it can be seen by the public.

I have a hard time at this time of year because of time I spent away from home. Or when I got to come home, my brother was gone. Then my step-brother had to join to. Its tough on everyone in the family tree, especially the Mothers.

I think about those serving the USA daily. I think maybe I should add those locked in battle with us. When I raise my glass next you can bet the Canadians will be included in my thoughts.

[tucker1931]

Bob, what a wonderful carving and the thought behind it is amking a lump in my throat. I'm so sorry for those kids that are being killed over there, as far as I'm concerned they have no business being there in the first place, when others have failed so miserably.
Cliff

[Eddy-Smiles]

Excellent work Bob. It's hard to watch the television with out getting all choked up and misty eyed....be it casualty reports, home comings, or vets dealing with the aftermath of war. I'm sure that it affects anyone of compassion but it really hurts those of us who went through it and who know first hand what our young men and women are going through now. You are absolutely right! Theirs is a true sacrifice!

[Irishman]

That is a great likeness to the soldier Bob. It certainly has great meaning for those in the military and those who served. Well done.
Patrick

[Soggy]

Bob what a wonderful tribute to those brave young men and women. I'm with Cliff on this one I wish they would all come home and let those countries sort it out between themselves
Wayne

[fpace]

Bob.. what more can anyone say... excellent!

[Thor]

I was touched by your tribute too Bob. The likeness is very real, and your words speak volumes.
Christina

[Raparee]

Beautiful homage, Bob.