Posted on 11/11/2019 8:09:04 AM PST by Kartographer
It's the Memorial Day image that made Americans online everywhere put their hands to their hearts. A photo that amateur photographer Frank Glick snapped in 2011 of a bald eagle resting on a veteran's gravestone suddenly went viral after the Department of Veterans tweeted it earlier this week.
And it's easy to see why. The shot depicts a bald eagle, America's iconic symbol of freedom, perched atop a gravestone, pensively looking out over the expanse. According to an interview with Fox News, Glick snapped the image early one morning at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota before attending a training later. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
(Excerpt) Read more at goodhousekeeping.com ...
The Eagle's Watch
In a quiet river valley, Lies a green and peaceful place, Where warriors come to rest, Having honorably met their fates.
No more do they stand the watch, Their worthy service done, They've passed their duties on To other Fathers' sons.
Yet flying high above them, On silent wings spread wide, Soars freedom's embodiment, And a country's sign of pride.
The mighty Eagle watches o'er all And guards their well-earned rests. For he like they, knows the feel, Of Freedom in his chest.
And though he does his best to guard, The fallen warriors' sleep. Still at times he grows so weary, And must rest his wings a-beat.
So slowly he glides his way, To where the fallen rest, And there he bides his time a bit Among the honored Vets.
And though he knows no words, Of the valiant warrior's speech, Still they communicate, In a way that words can't reach.
Having communed with those who lie, Among the rows of stone, The Eagle takes to flight again, And resumes his post alone.
In endless soaring circles, He surely makes his rounds. Guarding the fallen heroes, Who make this hallowed ground.
Copyright 2011 by Jack Cook
“Not only was she shocked to see the eagle watching over her husband’s grave, but she also told Glick that she and her husband used to photograph eagles together before he died.”
Beautiful story and poem. Thank you to all of our Veterans.
Beautiful photo. Beautiful poem.
In the interview, Glick revealed that Viviane Ruch, the wife of the soldier whose grave the bird was resting on, was especially touched.
Not only was she shocked to see the eagle watching over her husband’s grave, but she also told Glick that she and her husband used to photograph eagles together before he died.
Thanks, FRiend.
They say that a picture is worth a thousands words, though with the right words, a picture’s image is amplified a thousand fold.
Agreed. It’s hard to view the pain that the loved ones left behind are dealing with.
ping
Bfl
I get chills every time I see this picture. And this poem suits it perfectly. Beautiful.
bump
Better for MEMORIAL Day. ;-)
Very nice. Thank you.
Veterans and active duty troops have gone and done their jobs for the United States for over 200 years now. Almost all are the same. Afraid to lose their young lives or be horribly maimed but they saddle up and go out anyway and focus on their mission and tamp down their fears. Not many are front line though but they all endure some hardship.
Our own son has returned from harm’s way in the war zones he was sent to five times now. Each time he went we held hope for his safe return like so many other parents have. Care Packages of Gummy Bears and essentials went out each week. So much that he gently told his Mom that every-other-week would be fine to send care packages. He also suggested we send packages to guys who got none. Each time he has returned home we began to breathe again. Each time we leaned on God’s providence and knowing our son is aware, well trained, smart and capable.
We are not alone, we are not special we are just another set of parents who love their son and wonder what is worth the price so many others have paid. We ache for the loss of those that rest beneath the stones, help those maimed, rejoice for the ones returned home safe again and are so very grateful for the service of all who have given for our well being.
Only 2% of the population have a direct connection and knowledge of the effort, sacrifice and fears of serving the nation in our military. We send our best and most courageous. The rest watch and ride for free. They will never experience the cost and value of Liberty.
You said it all very well! Thank you!
As an aside, on one deployment my son was away over Christmas. He said the best things I sent were a few strings of little Christmas lights so that he could decorate his ‘space’. And I also always sent way too much food for him, but of course it was to share.
Bless all those who stand in harm’s way for us. Bless the families at home, too.
I posted it for both.
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