I live in the Washington DC area. My family lives out in Illinois, and my sister is in Texas meeting her Husband who is going through Basic Training in Texas (he is in the Air force). He graduates this weekend.
So I am staying home here in DC. I decided to go to work because... what else is there to do? I awoke at my normal time (5:30 am) and turned on the radio (WTOP: News, Traffic, Weather).
The Traffic was dead (excellent), the weather however caught my ear... Dense Fog Warning.
I hurried awake, and was out the door within 25 minutes.
From my Northern Virginian Apartment, it normally takes me 25 minutes to over an hour to get to work, depending on when I leave. This morning: 15 minutes. I pass work hurriedly, and two minutes away, I park.
I have reached my target. Iwo Jima.
I get my tripod and camera out of my car and I hurry, I know I don't have much time. I set up and start taking pictures. I can see the sky lightening ever so slightly. I must hurry.
As my camera is clicking away, I reflect.
I am Thankful for the Men and women of all races, sexual orientations, religious affiliation (and those with none) who have served for our nation. I know Veterans Day (and Memorial Day) are designated for our Soldiers who live and have died for this country, but every time I see Iwo Jima (and that is nearly everyday), I thank their sacrifice and hard work to protect our country. I love my country, I love the opportunities it has afforded me, I am happy that I have had the opportunity to succeed, and fail in this country without major consequence. I am thankful that so many can come to this country and have that opportunity.
I am thankful that we are an imperfect union, that we strive to better ourselves, better our fellow man, to better this country and world so that future generations can love what I have loved.
20 minutes later, I packed up and headed to work.
This morning, the light, fog, and stoic Memorial encaspulates this. Here is the second photo I took. I hope you enjoy.
Iwo Jima: November 26, 2009