Photography by John Michael

70 years ago this month...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 10:22:00 +0000

In Hightstown NJ, the US ARMY parachute Test Platoon of 48 men, led by LT William T. Ryder, took their first jump aloft from two 150 foot parachute towers built by a company that had exhibited them at the 1939 World's Fair in New York.

Veterans - Wear your Medals!

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:48:00 +0000

The Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Pride initiative encourages all veterans to wear their military decorations this

Veterans Day, November 11.

'(Click high-resolution image for high resolution image

FINAL ENTRY... For Now

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

John Michael has launched a new website that contains "everything under one roof" to use that common cliche'.

The Blog - The Gallery - The Stores - The Arlington National Cemetery final honors = it's all here

Photography by John Michael

...

Please come visit our new home!

Rendering Honors at Arlington National Cemetery

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Recently, I spent the day at Arlington National Cemetery and captured the Presidential Salute Battery in action as they rendered honors ...

I had another camera with me and decided to turn on it's video mode. . . combined with a few photos taken before and during mission and it appears below.

Godspeed Charlie Company...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Most all ceremonies I attend, my emotions are contained. I attended one today that I was lost for words as I mingled among them when the ceremony was concluded. But it was afterwards the tears flowed for a part of a regiment that I've seen over the last decade primarily in their dress blue uniforms, executing the missions ahead - either change of commands, retirement ceremonies or even final honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today they were dressed in their ACU's still looking sharp as they usually do, their Battalion Commander providing them words of encouragement and assuring them they have been given the best training and were being led by the best leadership. In this the "Year of the NCO," several NCOs were mentioned and their leadership skills praised.

Charlie Company of The Old Guard of the Army will join in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom... they will spend a year in this role. Something different from what their typical day-to-day duties have been. In Old Guard tradition, I know they've trained well for this mission and are going to perform in an outstanding manner. It's just sad that a regiment that I've grown very attached to over the years will be sending their men to the other side of the world.

I ask all of you to keep them in your prayers over the next year and I wish them Godspeed and safe return ... Hooah!

Operation Dragoon 15 AUG 1944

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:36:00 +0000

THE FORGOTTEN - OTHER D-DAY....

At the Rhone American Cemetery north of St. Tropez, in the little city of Draguignan, above all the graves, a stone wall is inscribed:

"We who lie here died that future generations might live in peace."

In all, 250,000 Allied soldiers stormed France's Mediterranean shores on Aug. 15, 1944, just 70 days after the D-Day landings at Normandy, catching German troops in a pincer so tight that Hitler muttered to aides, "This is the darkest day of my life."

You can read more about it at this Wikipedia entry about Operation Dragoon

Recently at Arlington National Cemetery a gathering of WW II veterans, their families and friends occurred to remember that "other" invasion of France. Many call it the "Forgotten Other D-Day." But here 65 years later, they gathered to remember and be remembered.

The invasion involved a significant coordination of US forces represented by the 3d, 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions, the 509th & 551st Parachute Infantry Regiments, the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion (gliders), the bi-national troops of the 1st Special Services Forces and even the OSS. The troops were delivered by the US Army Air Forces and the US Navy, both of which then provided air cover and landing support.

After the ceremonies at the Amphitheater, the assembled moved to the Tomb of the Unknowns

and a chosen few among them placed a wreath.

"Preserving the memories so others will remember..." (tm)

I will never leave a fallen comrade...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:20:00 +0000

The news that the remains of the downed US Navy pilot from the first Iraq war was comforting for all and shows the determination to find those who have pledged to defend the United States of America.

Over the years, I have been blessed to capture the final honors of many of those who were considered "Missing in Action" from WW II, from the Korean War, from the Vietnam War --- it provides closure for the family, friends and comrades that anxiously await word that someday their loved ones were found.

Earlier this year, I attended a US Army Special Forces event and was moved by the narration that began the evening about the table that you see to your left. I was able to secure a copy of the narration and I offer it to you...

"Preserving the memories so others will remember..." (tm)

Special thanks to the US Army Special Forces for providing me the text...

"Narrator: You may have noticed the small table set for one that is off on its own - it is reserved to honor our fallen comrades in arms. This symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way. We are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured the agonies of pain, deprivation and death. I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table."

"The table is round - to show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades. The tablecloth is white - symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty. The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen comrades, and the loved ones and friends of these comrades who keep the faith. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen comrades. A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all. The Holy Book represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country. The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time. The chair is empty because they are no longer with us. Let us remember - and never forget their sacrifice. May they and their families ever be watched over and protected."

(PAUSE)

"Ladies and Gentlemen Please Stand; As first written and first proposed by our service members in North Vietnam prisoner of war camps where only water was available for toasting, a toast to those killed in action, missing in action or to prisoners of war is made with water. At this time, please secure your water glasses. "

"Command Sergeant Major: Toast: Ladies and Gentlemen, raise your glasses to those who have not yet come home, and those who never will-Response: To our fallen comrades."

Water Lilies Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (John Michael) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:34:00 +0000

From my work at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Here's a gallery of waterlilies on my new hosting site. Click on the badge and go there...

Arlington National Cemetery is Selling NEW Photo Notecards

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:56:00 +0000

"Scenes of Arlington National Cemetery" from Photography by John Michael - a note card collection of outstanding photographs that take you through a small part of this National United States' shrine - are now on sale at the cemetery's giftshop.

From the thousands of photographs captured by this military heraldrist and historian, a collection was created to portray the dignity, solemnity and beauty of this US shrine to the heroes and those who have fought to keep freedom free.Such historic views as the McClelland Gate - the original entrance to the cemetery, The Lee House/Arlington House - original homestead of Robert E. Lee, are complemented by scenic views of US Army 3d Infantry Regiment as they execute their missions of taking those who have served to their final resting place. Classic scenes such as the Tomb of the Unknowns are also part of the collection.

John Michael, a Washington DC based photographer is known world-wide for his work in photographing the final honors of those who have served in the United States armed forces.

(From a Press Release - JULY 28, 2009)

New Photograph Hosting Site

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Ok, I'm back for a bit to announce I've finally finished the "foundation" of the new photo hosting site. It'll never be done, however, it's ready for you to explore & buy an enlargement of that favorite one. More photos will be coming, the richness will improve, & you'll probably see this note appear from my blog (which if you haven't read it, please do)

Please Click HERE to head that way...

Oh, by the way, the prices are intro until 01 AUG 2009

A glorious 4th with the Big Guns of the Old Guard...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:37:00 +0000

It all began on Summerall Field of Fort Myer. Four artillery pieces placed - The “Big Guns of the Old Guard” were ready to celebrate America’s birthday in a big way - The sun shone brightly on Saturday, July 4th reflecting off the highly polished WW II vintage 3” anti-tank guns of the Presidential Salute Battery. The battery looking sharp in their dress blue uniforms stood at the ready as the time approached for the ceremony to begin for a 50 Gun Salute to the United States of America.

Marched into position by the NCOIC, SFC Calvin Flinta, Platoon Sergeant, the Soldiers of the Battery waited as the seconds ticked off. When it was exactly noon, SGT Chris Johnson the Officer in Charge issued the command “Fire!” The first round echoed as the smoke billowed from the barrel and 5 seconds later, the watchman called the second gun to fire. Then every 5 seconds another gun called to fire until all 50 “Salutes to the Nation” were fired.

The crowd watching applauded vigorously as the last echoes of the salutes and smoke drifted off. The Soldiers of this elite unit then marched off and got ready for “part 2” of the day’s celebration. The guns were then packed up and US Park Police escorted the entire caravan down to the US Capitol. Again the four gun battery was placed in position, where later that night, the Guns Platoon provided accompaniment for the Washington Symphony Orchestra.

Marched into position by Platoon Leader - CPT Ronald K. Vinyard, the battery once again stood at the ready waiting for the signal to fire. As the colors of the fireworks were filling the sky over the Washington Monument, the orchestra played the 1812 Overture at the Capitol 4th with the Presidential Salute Battery providing the appropriate gun salutes. The final salute was all four guns firing simultaneously.

Photos by John Michael

Happy Birthday America!

This article also appears

the 10 JUL 2009 issue

"The Pentagram"

with one of the photographs.

"Fire Three Volleys..."

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:38:00 +0000

is the command that is issued at a military funeral to honor that veteran's service to the United States of America. The origins of this tradition dates back to the US Civil War when casualties were high in warfare and rules were a bit different. Each side was allowed to remove their casualties from the battlefield. After which they "fired three volleys" to alert the other side that they were ready to resume the battle.

The seven Soldiers in the photo to the right are bearing weapons, which in this case are rifles. They are an example of continuing this tradition to honor one of their fallen. It just so happens that there are seven (led by an NCO), but there could be as few as two or as many as eight Soldiers. They are the ones who are ordered to "Fire three volleys" - simultaneously as commanded by the NCO...

The photo to the right is an example of a "GUN Salute" - The Soldiers of the Presidential Salute Battery (also known as "The Guns Platoon) are firing weapon systems, which in this case are WW II M5 - 3" anti tank guns. The Soldiers manning the guns are "orchestrated" by a battery staff consisting of an Officer in Charge (OIC), a boardman, who counts the rounds fired & announces "Last Round", two watchmen who call the guns to fire and a NCO in Charge (NCOIC) who controls the backup gun and marches the Soldiers on and off. I've seen them countless times firing gun salutes - at timed intervals - but only once saw them fire a "21 GUN SALUTE" for the

President on 20 JAN 2009 at the inauguration. I heard them fire a "21 GUN SALUTE" on Memorial Day upon the arrival and another on the departure of the President from Arlington National Cemetery. So you can imagine how "rare" a 21 GUN SALUTE is, which makes it so special.

I hope this clears up some of the confusion you might have and help to inform those who insist that they saw a 21 GUN SALUTE at the last military funeral that they attended.

Criticism...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:21:00 +0000

He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.

-- Abraham Lincoln

REAL Riches...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:50:00 +0000

Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot.

In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.

- Oscar Wilde

GOLDEN KNIGHTS US ARMY PARACHUTE TEAM = JUN 27 - 28

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:33:00 +0000

THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS GO INTERNATIONAL THIS WEEKEND !

BLACK DEMONSTRATION TEAM =

Canadian Royal Mounted Police Sunset Ceremony Ottawa, ON

GOLD DEMONSTRATION TEAM =

Helena Montana Airshow, MT

FREEDOM ...

noreply@blogger.com (John Michael) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:24:00 +0000

"Freedom is not something to be secured in any one moment of time. We must struggle to preserve it every day. And freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction".

Ronald Reagan

Reflections on Fatherhood...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:26:00 +0000

On this day when we set aside some time for that "Most important man in your life," I sat this morning before I did my daily workout and thought back over the years...

I have two wonderful daughters... Despite that I worked hard to provide them an appreciation for the "little things," I impressed upon them that people are more important than things.

I knew that I wanted to be a better dad to them than my dad had been and despite the early years when I traveled 80 to 90 percent of the time. I worked to be always there for them when they needed me (or they didn't realize that they did)...

I worked to give them as much stability in their lives, like the "Last Christmas" in OUR HOUSE... Anna wanted a real tree like we always had, but learned the way of "compromise" and as we hunted for that special tree among the artificial ones in the "mega-mart"

I didn't get to spend as much time with them even in later years, their mother made sure of that, despite all my attempts to fight the many roadblocks and other obstacles thrown in my way.

I made the 5-7 hour drive from Virginia to Connecticut every other weekend to spend those precious moments with them. Later, I finally got a judge with some smarts and that wasn't biased, who saw through the chicanery and games, so they came to spend time with me.

From running Kamp Kupik every summer for several years... to planning for ways to stimulate their thinking and I always found time for them when they called....

Remember your dad today, wherever he may be and thank him for doing the best he could...

Happy Fathers' Day!

Happy Fathers' Day to all the Fathers & Forefathers..

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Enjoy the good times... it passes so quickly.

From the "Watchmen" speech...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:56:00 +0000

"We in this country, in this generation, are-by destiny rather than choice-the watchmen on the walls of world freedom."

- John F. Kennedy

The speech was never delivered as the "Watchman" was assasinated on 22 NOV 1963 on his way to the "walls".

US ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS PARACHUTE TEAM -- 20 & 21 JUN 2009

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +0000

BLACK DEMONSTRATION TEAM =

Quad City Air Show, IA

For more information visit...

THE US ARMY GOLDEN KNIGHTS WEBSITE

Honoring Those Who Gave So Much...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:59:00 +0000

The US Army celebrated its

234th birthday on 14 JUN 2009...

One of the most solemn and dignified ceremonies occurred in Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on that morning...

a full honors wreath ceremony

placed by

the Secretary of the Army, Honorable Pete Geren,

Chief of Staff of the Army, General George W. Casey Jr.

and

Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Kenneth Preston.

Hosted by Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, Major General Richard J. Rowe Jr, the full honors included:

a complement of The US Army's 3d Infantry -

The Old Guard,

The US Army Band, Pershing's Own

and

Color Guard.

After the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, General Casey and Sergeant Major Preston visited each of the 24 former Chiefs of Staff and 2 Sergeants Major of the Army's final resting places and placed a wreath in honor of their service to the United States of America.

General of the Armies & Former Chief of Staff General John J. Pershing's gravesite

HAPPY 234th to the US ARMY! HOOAH!

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:27:00 +0000

For over two centuries AND 34 years, a group of men (and women) have stood up and defended what began as a set of 13 colonies and now comprises 50 States and several territories.

It is because these defenders of freedom have been willing put their lives on the line, that the American people are able to do what they do, but I'm sure days go by and the American citizens don't give it much thought, that a Soldier just went on a 16 hour patrol and will be awakened by gunfire or mortar rounds as you and I enjoy the sounds of nature or if you're in the city, the passing of cars on a busy street. Or another woke up at 0400, to train his new recruits, but he didn't get to sleep until midnight.

Over these years, there is so much that the US Army has given us...

what do you plan on giving them for their birthday?

GOLDEN KNIGHTS US ARMY PARACHUTE TEAM = JUN 13-14

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:20:00 +0000

BLACK DEMONSTRATION TEAM - NY Yankees, NY (14th only)

GOLD DEMONSTRATION TEAM - Ocean City Airshow, Ocean City, MD

He works in unusual ways ...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:27:00 +0000

If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!

A United States Soldier was taking some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist, and a member of the ACLU.

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, 'GOD if you are real then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 min.'

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am GOD, I'm still waiting.'

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Soldier got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Soldier went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned, and sat there looking on in silence.

The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Soldier and asked, 'What in the world is the matter with you? 'Why did you do that?'

The Soldier calmly replied, 'GOD was too busy today protecting America 's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So He sent me.'

The classroom erupted in cheers!

D DAY - 6 JUN 1944 = A remembrance...

noreply@blogger.com (john Michael) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 07:11:00 +0000

"Time will not dim the glory of their deeds."

- General of the Armies, John J. Pershing

Below in the photo are only 9,387 reasons why Freedom is not Free... Here in France, the Normandy Cemetery just near the shore where the D-Day landings occurred...

Photos Courtesy American Battle Monuments Commission

"Count your blessings

that they were willing to give, so you can be."

- John Michael