Memorial Day Blog Edition

Hi All,

Here in the USA, we're coming up on one of our most beloved holidays this coming weekend; Memorial Day.  For most of us (myself included), this is the start of summer, a great time to have a three day weekend and relax, go to or throw a party, or get out of town.  However, the spirit behind the holiday, is a more reverent remembrance of those who have gone before, and laid down their life in the defense of our freedom.

Pitsenbarger - Pencil and Airbrush.  This piece is in
the Air Force Art Collection.

Often, we lose sight of the meaning or significance of the holiday.  Lots of us don't think about it at all.  Many may get wrapped up in some kind of political or patriotic viewpoints, that really don't have anything to do with this.  But that's really not the point I'm hitting at today.

Tillman - Pencil on Bristol Board.

My purpose here is to honor our fallen, who have made that ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy - to them I say thank you.  Also - to my fellow veterans, who serve or have served - I also say thank you.

Al Castillo Caricature - Art Marker, Pen and Airbrush.

The featured artwork in this edition portray three guys who I consider heros.  Their actions were heroic, but the quality I admire most about them is their willingness to put themselves in harms way, time and again in service to others.  They did this not for fame and fortune, but because they shared an internal integrity to do it because was the right thing to do and it's what they felt they needed to do; regardless of personal safety or outcome.  The top piece of artwork is a picture of William Pitsenbarger, winner of the Congressional Medal of honor (posthumously).  An Air Force pararescueman, who saved many lives in a fierce firefight (in Viet Nam on 11 April 1966).  That day he lost his life, but several others would survive the day.

The next piece - I've writted a little about before.  A pencil portrait of Pat Tillman.  He walked away from riches and fame, to join the Army after 9/11.  He died from "friendly fire" - but he was a hero in many ways throughout his life, including his Army career.

The bottom piece is a marker and airbrush caricature I did for a friend a long time ago, as a retirement gift.  His name is Al Castillo.  I served in the Air Force with him.  He was a flight medic.  He served a a member of helicopter aircrews that would fly into "hot" combat zones to rescue whomever needed to be rescued.  Al is a hero who put himself at risk on many an occasion, because that was his job and it was what needed to be done...he wouldn't call himself a hero, but he is.  (he's still kickin around too - Hi Al).

So wherever you are this Memorial Day - enjoy your party, or swimming at the beach, or whatever.  But take a minute and say a silent prayer of gratitude, for those heros who've gone before (or still walk among us).

To my friends who are not in the USA, I hope you've enjoyed and learned a little bit about our end of May holiday, Memorial Day.

Have a great weekend everybody.
Tom