Oh That The Innocent, Our Youth Be Spared
Might They Be Sheltered From The Pains Of War
Unrealistic? Perhaps, But Yet A Dream We Should Share
Change Our Hearts, Grant Us Peace From Shore To Shore
Unite Our Hearts, May We Seek And Promote Peace, And Unity
Oh, To Power, Jealousy, And Hatred, Let Us Close Tight That Door
That Our Eyes Might Focus On Where We Want To Be
And Some Day, May The World Enjoy Its Final End To War
(Rick Schies 2011)
On this day we want to remember all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives for the freedoms we share, and to all those still in active duty, and in service to our Country. May we never forget.
I took my Grand-Daughter out to visit the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery this afternoon. As we drove along she commented on how many tombstones there were. At one point we got out of the car and she stood in awe, looking out over the fields of white stone. I can only imagine what was going through her mind. As I watched her, I wrote the above words in my mind. If we could only spare them the pain.
A beautiful tribute and collage....and quite an experience for your granddaughter. It's important that we show our young people these things....so that we never forget the sacrifices made for us all.
great contribution rick. i always look forward to your posts.
(by the way. what do you use to do these great collages? i have a couple i trying to put together but really havin a hard time)
Sometimes we must teach our children and grandchildren harder lessons so that they truly understand the blessings of freedom. She will never forget what she learned today. I think you should give her a copy of this collage and poem and let her know what you were thinking and feeling as you watched her take it all in. Lovely tribute Rick. Very thoughtful. Beautiful and bittersweet.
You not only have a wonderful gift for expressing your thoughts, you add a poignancy that's very touching. Your grand daughter is blessed to be learning by your side, and she'll bring those lessons into her adulthood and hopefully make this a better world for all she learned from you.
You collage is simply stunning and for me the photo of your granddaughter stands out in a big way. May she never feel that suffering was my first thought. Then your poem added so much. Simply perfect Memorial Day tribute.
Wow Rick, your words are so touching. I think it is wonderful you shared this with your granddaughter. The photos you took are great and I love the lay out your collage.
I agree with everyone above. You did a wonderful job with the collage and your words. You have a gift... to make us think and inspire us to be more thoughtful. Thank you, Rick.
Thank you, beautifully expressed both in words and pictures. I am sure your granddaughter will remember the visit, such a powerful and thought provoking scene.
@minilou Mini lou, for my collages I use edit the photos inPicnik, then I upload them to Picas for the collage, and then back to Picnik again for final touch up.
Taking your granddaughter along to the cemetery gave her a wonderful lesson and like Louise put it so elequently I agree with her and don't know what else to add except that it's also a very lovely collage and that I enjoy your write up with each and every picture of yours. thanks so much for sharing Rick and also that you quite often drop by and comment on my pictures...so appreciated.
Your words gave me goosebumps. Wonderful collage. I'll have to try Picasa (that's what you meant?) for collages. Picnik doesn't have many options or control for collages.
(by the way. what do you use to do these great collages? i have a couple i trying to put together but really havin a hard time)