I am a pacifist who believes in the preciousness of life through non-violence. Memorial Day is bittersweet for me as I can't help but remember and honor all those who lost their lives in fighting for our country. And to those who continue to serve.
Today at your BBQ or party, take a moment, a pause to give thanks to our lost soldiers and those who continue to serve.
Remembering my cousin Charlie Mcglauflin who was buried last week at The Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, NJ. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran as well as a Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer.
As another reminder of how precious life is, here are some veterans of our armed services who are part of the inspiring I Wish For Project, by photographer Nousha Salimi :
Anna / US war veteran
"I wish I owned a Harley, so I could participate in more memorial runs with Rolling Thunder and Patriot Guard Riders."
Oct.2013 Bronx,NY
Myles / US War Veteran
"I wish a happy and healthy life for my family and a new camera so I can take good pictures so I can write another cookbook."
Oct.21.2013 Bronx,NY.
Sidney / War Veteran
"I wish to live my life the best I can in the eyes show me the money."
Oct.2013 Bronx,NY
I also celebrate the work of The Josephine Herrick Project this is from their website:
Josephine Herrick Project Honors our Veterans
"As we celebrate veterans as heroic young people who risked their lives for their country, today of all days, we must also commit to helping the more than 2.9 million disabled veterans from wars over the last seven decades. Josephine Herrick Project has had the honor of serving veterans with free photography programs for over 70 years. Join us and commit today to helping veterans in need" Executive Director Maureen McNeil
Photograph by Mai Jun Li, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and participant in JHP photography programs "My dog tag is important to me. It was there with me with witnessing things good and bad. Taking photos of my ID is making me feel grateful. When I try to remember the past, my dog tag has been on me for years. It means a lot to me. I hold on to it like it's saving my life."
and what I wish for:
"I wish we truly lived by the people,of the people and for the people,and that the glass is always 1/2 full".
Cathy / Musician / New Yorker
March.27.2013 / Manhattan,NY