Thank You.

Simply thank-you. It doesn't take any effort to say it. They don't ask for it. They don't expect it.

They serve because they love their country. Our country.

We need to remember. We need to honor and respect them. We need to support them. We need to say thank-you. Simply thank-you.

Departures

Monday. Early. Time to leave. Leave to serve. Serve for one year. Away. Far away.

We owe these families a lot. Our thanks. Our respect. Our support.

The Joy of Giving Back

This evening I had the privilege of photographing the joyful reunion of a father and husband with his young family. He had been serving his country in a far away land for the past year, while his wife and son made their own sacrifices as they waited for him.

How grateful I am to the men and women who serve in the military to preserve the freedoms we too often take for granted. When I think of the days, weeks, months and even years that they and their families sacrifice on our behalf, it seems totally inconsequential to give a few short hours to shoot some photos for them.

May all who serve experience the joy of coming home safely. That's my prayer for them.

If you know someone in the military who is being deployed, has been deployed or is coming home soon, tell them or a family member about Operation Love: Reunited. They may qualify for no-fee photo portrait sessions. Click HERE for information about Operation Love: Reunited and the services they offer.

Hometown Hero Honored

Jared Francom, a 30-year-old police officer, was shot and killed in a horrific gunfight on January 4, 2012, while trying to serve a drug related warrant on a suspect in Ogden, UT. Five other officers were shot and wounded during the raid, and remain in the hospital. The funeral was held today, January 11.

Following the funeral (held at Dee Events Center at Weber State College), Officer Francom’s flag-draped casket was placed atop a fire engine and driven to the cemetery, escorted by officers on motorcycles and in other vehicles.

Residents of Ogden and neighboring communities came out in force, along with some 4000 law enforcement officers from all over UT and from other states, to pay homage to this young man, a husband and the father of two little girls. The streets were lined with more than 5000 flags along the eight mile funeral route. It was a beautiful day, albeit cold...well below freezing.

We didn't know Officer Francom - had never heard of him until the fateful night of his death. But we felt that he (and others who bravely serve us) deserved our respect and honor, so we went to show our support. 

Driving into town, we spotted a bald eagle perched high up in a tree. It seems a fitting symbol of the country and liberty that Officer Francom gave his life to protect.

In addition to the thousands of flags, blue ribbons were displayed everywhere.

People waited... 

...and watched. 

At the cemetery...

...a pipe and drum corps prepared. 

And then...

The cars in the funeral procession seemed like they just kept coming and coming and coming...

...until their flashing lights began to be just a blur.

In the midst of the blur, a heart...the universal symbol of love...the love that these officers, brothers and sisters in arms, have for one another, and for those of us they serve.

When it was all over, only the flags and their reflections remained. 

 

May we remember those who serve us every day, and who put their lives on the line so that we may live ours more freely. May we honor the heroes among us. May God bless them and their families.

 Click HERE to read Officer Francom's obituary.

Posted at Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday...this week's letter is H. H is for Hero. Click HERE to see what others have posted.