To witness a Full Honors funeral ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary is unforgettable. It tugs at your emotions, and brings them to a boil. The enormity of the moment makes it clear what the meaning of giving service in uniform is all about.
My dear departed friend, Paul Dargan, who served with the 26th Marines 3rd Recon at Khe Sanh during the infamous siege in the early days of 1968, asked me to create this painting from a series of photos he took at the field memorial service at Quang Tri in April of that year.
A blurb about each painting should go here. It can be as short or as long as you like. Ideally, it should be two or three sentences.
The seventh and final painting of the Full Honors series.
The Vietnam War. So many friends served, defining their lives forever. For myself, it is a mix of anger, confusion and ultimately deep regret that I did not serve in uniform at that time. Fate had a different plan for me.
Depicting foot soldiers from the eight uniform eras of the U.S. Army…can you name them?
My stepfather, Seymour Blank, served in the 101st Airborne Division. He parachuted into Normandy in the early hours of June 6, 1944, D-Day. August 16, 1940 marked the first official Army parachute jump). Thanks to the brave men and women who serve.
From the collection of Mark Wahlberg.
A haunting and reverent image. The price of freedom is extremely high and almost unbearable.
Up to the grave site, to the final resting place, a lump in the throat.
A conceptual image conjuring a sense of honor and gratitude for all those who serve and have served in uniform in the United States Armed Forces.
From the Full Honors series of paintings, U.S. Army Chaplain, Captain Matt Canada, offers his final salute to WWII veteran nurse Second Lieutenant Louise Rand interred on that day.
Lots going on here, have fun!
My personal favorite painting. Sleepy Time Gal depicts a B-17, also known as the Flying Fortress.
A quick and colorful impression featuring the Blackhawk helicopter.