Souvenir Stories: Beyond the Paradise is the title of Karlo Andrei Ibarra’s most recent project featured at Photo Miami 2009 by the gallery RICA. In it, the artist examines the imagined idea of an island paradise against the harsh reality of political and social conflict. The project is comprised of a photograph, two video projections, and two installations.

The photograph titled Flesh Map is an illustration using raw meat that specifically portrays the Americas to describe how the majority of Latin American countries still suffer today from a post-colonial condition in relation to North America, which has contributed to political, social and, above all, economic problems. From the artist’s perspective as a Puerto Rican, the island is still under a colonial political system, and is on one hand a Latin country but on the other inserted into America, meaning to the United States of America. The question is: Do Puerto Ricans live in America? America the country? Or America the continent?

In Model to Assemble, an installation comprised of three photographs and a sculpture, the artist speaks of the violence that reigns in low-income housing projects. The photographs portray children playing with a jump-rope that has two guns instead of handles at each end. An interesting story is that on his way to Miami to transport the sculpture, the artist was arrested by Federal agents at the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport in San Juan. The sculpture was confiscated because, according to the agents, the guns had the mechanisms to fire an 8mm bullet. In an act of protest, the artist decided to frame and display the complaints filed against him as part of the project.

As part of the project, the artist presents two video projections. One of the videos, titled Aspirations, takes as a point of departure the political and socio-economic repercussions imposed upon Puerto Rico for more than 40 years. The video presents a Puerto Rican citizen vacuum cleaning the entrance stairway of Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building; the place where the laws of this country are revised. Aspiraciones in Spanish is a metaphor for physical cleanliness, but also for the cleansing of unsuccessful political events. A literal English translation of Aspiraciones means Aspirations which refers to the desire and hope of achieving something better.

The video Crossover presents different takes of Puerto Ricans attempting to sing the national anthem of the United States. In the music industry, the term crossover refers to the act in which an artist decides to sing in another language other than their first one. It also refers to success abroad, usually in the English speaking market and particularly in the United States. Also, etymologically, the term can also refer to the burden that an imposed language can have on a country and its people, carrying a linguistic cross over one’s back as a symbol of social and cultural stigma. In Puerto Rico, this practice is quite common and results in a cultural assimilation that is politically driven. Using as reference the reality show American Idol, the video seeks to amplify the sociocultural distance between Puerto Rico and the United States hinting, in turn, at the different generations who long for statehood and who do not even know the language of the country they want to assimilate into.

Souvenir Stories consists of a postcard project based on the documentation of some of Puerto Rico’s most important historical events that have taken place in 2009. From mass manifestations to police altercations and protests, the postcards portray images of politically and socially engaging acts, playing with the idea of a postcard image of an island paradise and its contradictory reality. The set of postcards will be pre-addressed to places such as The Fortaleza, PR’s Capitol Hill, and The White House. These are meant to be sent by the spectator, making him an active participant of an act of solidarity towards the socio-political problems the country is currently facing.

Karlo Andrei Ibarra was born in Puerto Rico. He holds a BFA from Escuela de Artes Plásticas (EAP) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has shown his work in Cuba, Washington DC, Santo Domingo, the Tai Pei Fine Arts Museum in Taiwan and in the Bucharest Biennale 3 in Romania.

Images provided by the artist

http://www.VideoGeek.Info

Best Rendition Of Our National Anthem I have Ever Heard With No Singer… Just a Trumpet performed by Dr.Jesse McGuire at Lincoln Financial Field in Honor of Veterans Day!

In Honor Of Veterans Day at Lincoln Financial Field they Invited Over 100 Veterans to Hold a Huge US Flag While the National Athem was played on a trumpet by Dr. Jesse McGuire. It was just an awsome sight to see and brings chills to me each time I play it…The only thing better was to see and hear it in person! Please enjoy it and share it with any veterans you know and love!

Historically it is very easy to prove that India is a State consisting of many Nations. A state is an unified presentation, politically and geographically, to States which are outside itself. But a State has to have a well integrated culture to call itself a NATION-STATE.

In WE THE PEOPLE (a programme moderated by Barkha Dutt in the NDTV channel) discussion on HINDI AS THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE, Kanimozhi presently a Member of Parliament and daughter to Dr.M.Karunanidhi (Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) stated that it has been the consistent policy of TamilNadu that it shall follow the two language formula and Hindi has no place in the scheme of things in Tamil Nadu. In effect what was stated was that there are NATIONAL LANGUAGES, but no single NATIONAL LANGUAGE. Even if we go through the Constitution of India and the Official languages Act, Hindi has been accorded the status of an OFFICIAL LANGUAGE. There is no mention of National Language. As an average Indian i know of no NATIONAL LANGUAGE. If at all one has to have a national language, then it has to be debated and settled in the Parliament and not in the debates of TV channels. However the masses have been fed with an impression that HINDI is the National Language.

The second issue is the VANDE MATARAM, which some section of Indians have been calling it the NATIONAL SONG (contrasted with the National Anthem). If one wants to have a deglottalized version of the National Anthem, one has to just listen to the Anthem being sung by a typical Thamizh school in its school “Assembly”. Every “hai” becomes “kay”- so much for the sounds of the National Anthem being sung by some Indian children. It is not their fault, it is just that they do not have the glottalized sounds that are plenty in Hindi/Bengali. To insist on according status to a song that inspired generations of Indians in their freedom struggle is a noble deed, but when it brings into conflict a section of the Indian society, it is time to sift FACTS from FICTION.

The third instance is the explosive statement made by SACHIN TENDULKAR, where he had stated that he is firstly an INDIAN, but proud to be a MARATHI. The Shiv Sena takes offence at that statement and in its editorial of  SAAMNA, excoriates SACHIN TENDULKAR and tells him not to indulge in politically explosive statement. The interesting part is that Sachin is a hero to many cricket lovers all over the country and the world and therefore his popularity and pelf accrue from devotees who are dispersed not only in Maharashtra but also beyond the geographical limits of Maharashtra. Whereas, outside Maharashtra it would not be possible for Mr.Bal Thackeray to extend his sphere of influence, therefore he is interested in every Marathi being proud of being a Marathi first and then an Indian. So ECONOMICS dictates the IDEOLOGY so far as both Tendulkar and the Shiv Sena are concerned.

Each state of India has its own distinct culture. There are states that share a common language, yet the cultural differences are apparent but also deep-rooted. Language can at best make people understand each other faster, but never BETTER. For example, there are many countries which share a single language (eg. Pakistan), yet that has not made them a cohesive NATION-STATE.  Likewise, soon after the French Revolution of 1789, the percentage of French speaking people was merely 15%, yet over a period of time the whole state evolved into a NATION STATE with French as their primary language. The process was not thru coercion or governmental status according exercises, the language had  in it to grow and people were convinced about its adaptability and usefulness and therefore FRENCH became their National language.

But an attempt to duplicate that process would be futile as our Indian languages are all outgrowths of the land to which it belongs. And one cannot bring a language alien to the land and make it thrive. It would be an attempt to grow Shimla Apple trees in Arasaradi. Madurai. May the apple trees grow in the land where they are best suited and let the trees that are acclimatized to the torrid climate grow where they are best suited.

Further, let us not burden the natives of a state to emulate excellence in a language, which is not their mother tongue.

When John Milton was asked by a friend if he was getting his daughters EDUCATED in  Latin, he is supposed to have responded, “ ONE TONGUE IS ENOUGH FOR A WOMAN!” Without the sexist slant, it must be uttered in all fairness for an Indian, ONE INDIAN TONGUE IS ENOUGH. Merely because he is born in an area that is not Hindi speaking, he need not be burdened to learn another language just for making himself understood to a person who does not put in an effort to learn English!!

DIVERSITY is the greatest protection against any foreign cultural incursions. Protecting the diversity may delay the path that we have embarked upon, but in the delay is the safety of multifarious thoughts of diverse cultures. Let me tell how a multi-nation state is better. Soon after the escape of Charles Shobraj from the Tihar Jail in New Delhi, the authorities discovered that there had been a collusion big time between the manning cops and the inmates of the jail. The solution was interesting- they installed TAMIL NADU SPECIAL POLICE to man the jail. Does anyone know the reason? Interesting- BECAUSE THE TAMIL NADU POLICEMEN DO NOT UNDERSTAND HINDI!!(even not knowing Hindi is an asset in this beautiful country!!)

Let us be a MULTI-NATION STATE instead of a NATION STATE.

At a recent rugby match between South Africa and France, Ras Dumisani, a reggae singer, butchered the South African national anthem.  He sung off-key and struggled to remember the words.  It has since been played over and over in South Africa and has even peaked international interest.  Members of Parliament are calling it treason.  The players were shocked and horrified by the performance… along with the rest of South Africa.  As The Guardian in England put it, “It was not just bad.  It was not-knowing-where-to-look bad.  And the man responsible is rapidly becoming public enemy number one in South Africa.”

Since the infamous rendition, there have been reports that many South Africans do not know the national anthem, which I find fascinating.  Before the end of the apartheid in 1994, there was an official national anthem in Afrikaans, “Die Stem,” or “The Call of South Africa.”  There was also an unofficial anthem, ”Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” or “Lord, Bless Africa,” sung in isiXhosa.  It is a hymn which became an anthem against black oppression.

The current official national anthem is an amalgam of the two songs and is sung in five languages.  South Africa has eleven official languages, but some are very close to each other and can be widely understood.  The five used in the anthem are the most common languages spoken in South Africa, and everyone can understand at least one of these languages.

I first understood this to mean that the national anthem was translated into five different languages, and a person could choose his own language.  However, the song uses all five languages in its four stanzas, which makes me understand why many South Africans don’t know the song.  They don’t speak all the languages, and after all, the song itself is only 15 years old.  In practicality, I imagine it is tough to learn.  What it represents, however, is beautiful.

The national anthem is as follows.  The first stanza is in isiXhosa and isiZulu.  The second is in Sesotho and the third in Afrikaans.

Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika (Lord, Bless Africa)
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, (May her spirit rise high up)
Yizwa imithandazo yethu, (Hear thou our prayers)
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. (Lord bless us.)

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, (Lord, bless Africa)
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho, (Banish wars and strife)
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, (Lord, bless our nation)
Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika. (Of South Africa.)

Uit die blou van onse hemel, (Ringing out from our blue heavens)
Uit die diepte van ons see, (From our deep seas breaking round)
Oor ons ewige gebergtes, (Over everlasting mountains)
Waar die kranse antwoord gee, (Where the echoing crags resound…)

Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.

So is butchering the national anthem treasonous?  Maybe because I have sung the American national anthem several times in front of large crowds or because I only speak one language, I’m willing to give the guy a break.  Or because I know how much monitors and working equipment really do affect a performance.  As Americans, I think we tend to laugh off such performances.  I have heard many terrible interpretations of the American national anthem, but I don’t find it disrespectful to the country.  I imagine he is mortified.  I am, however, in the minority opinion.  And it’s quite possible I am the only one.

The national anthem should, however, be something citizens take pride in singing and something that unifies the nation.  Not to mention something citizens know, no matter how difficult.  This is especially true when it is played before international audiences (like at this rugby match).  When I watch the Olympics and an American wins a gold medal, I love seeing that person on top of the stand, our flag being raised above the rest and our national anthem being played in the background… It’s almost magical.  In that moment, I am very proud to be an American, and I think our national anthem is the most beautiful in the world.

South Africans must feel the same way.  In a country that recently ended segregation, the anthem with its two melodies and five languages is a symbol of unity.  It has to bring pride to all South Africans who for so long sang their hymn as a cry for freedom, to see it incorporated into the official anthem.  And for those who were privileged but fought for the rights and dignity of all people, to celebrate a new history.

The history of the South African national anthem is actually quite interesting.

As is Ras Dumisani’s performance…

Cari and I went to Kids Festival at the Visalia Convention Center. Cari played “Ryan Seacrest” on the mainstage all day long and introduced the many local kids who display they’re amazing talents.

One of those kids was 11-year old Savannah Blaine. Savannah kicked the day off by hitting the National Anthem right out of the ballpark!

That’s some stellar singing right there! I had a chance to talk to Savannah’s mom and she was so proud of Savannah because she’s had to overcome some health issues work on her musical talents.

You have the opportunity to talk about the amazing things your kids does and how much you love them everyday with KDUVfm’s Family Name Game. It’s really simple to play. At 7:45am and 4:45pm, we announce a name. If it matches the name of your son or daughter, call 877.530.5388 and you could be the winner.

You can find a list of names were announcing at this link.

The Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver on February 12th 2010.

The Olympic torch left Greece and arrived in Victoria BC on 30th October.  Since then it has travelled by relay across the country. First North to Dawson City in the Yukon, then through Yellowknife in North West Territory. It then travelled way north to Alert in Nunavut, the most northerly, permanently inhabited settlement in the world. The torch was carried through Quebec,Labrador and Newfoundland before arriving in Nova Scotia.

Last night it came to Lunenburg. There was great excitement in the town and almost everyone turned out to see the flame arrive.

This is a very safe little town, but  the police turned out in force! I think all of the police cars in the area were in the town.

Coca Cola being one of the main sponsors led the torch bearers.

The girls on the truck were handing out  fluorescent coca cola bottles. They were great light sources for the evening.

Eventually one of the torch bearers arrived.

And ran up Lincoln Street towards the Harbour.

Jeff and I walked down to the the waterfront, where the entertainment had already started.

We listened to a great group called Air Traffic Control, followed by a choir from the local school.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, despite the weather. We’d had almost summer weather all week, only for it to change about 6 pm.

The Olympic torch was brought across the harbour in the Chockle Cap.

Here is our local news report on the event.

http://southshorenow.ca/videos/events/index43.php

My own video wasn’t so successful, but you can hear a grand rendition of  ‘Oh Canada’ -the Canadian National Anthem. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s way better than ‘God Save the Queen.’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUqAFAd9JoI

We walked to the golf course to get a view of the town from that side and watch the fireworks display.

The rain was at its heaviest by now, but it didn’t dampen the spirits too much. This was as wild a Friday as it gets in Lunenburg.

The torch will now be relayed back through the rest of Canada to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Over 1,000 communities like Lunenburg will have the chance to celebrate in their own ways.

…and it will remain poor. You foreigners might not believe this but that sentence is actually from the Finnish national anthem.

In the photo is the bottom half of the memorial of J.L Runeberg who made the lyrics for the national anthem – in Swedish for a song that was “composed” by a German (see my entry). Estonians also use the same melody.

No wonder there are people who think that Finlandia Hymn by national composer Jean Sibelius should be our national anthem. But that has already been used by the short-lived Republic of Biafra that is today part of Nigeria.

The week 11 team had a wonderful welcome at Miraflores today. The kids all sang their National Anthem for us – all three verses. Pretty impressive since I’d be lost after verse 1 of God save the Queen.  (I have just looked it up on the web and verses 2 & 3 are quite odd!)

We also had dancing. First the teachers danced for us and then we joined in with the kids – not a pretty sight but packed full of enthusiasm but little real talent. Strictly come dancing has little to worry about from us. Claire A has the video which we are desperately trying to stop her publishing!

The building work is coming along but there is still quite a lot to do so tomorrow will be an early start with the architect and then getting cracking with a long list of jobs.

Later in the afternoon we had a tour around Miraflores with all of us standing in the trailer being pulled by a tractor – great fun. We also went to the home & farm of the wonderful Gabriel. What a brilliant character he is.  Larger than life but small in stature – he seems to enjoy everything. He particularly enjoyed getting us to milk a cow, dip cheese in honey and stroke his llamas and alpacas

We also had a cake for Louise who celebrates her birthday today, plus three renditions of Happy Birthday (but the one from the children was probably the best).

On the way to the site we saw the sprawling city of Quito in beautiful sunshine. It was somewhat different on the way back where everything was shrouded in cloud. It’s quite an amazing sight to lose a city under a dense blanket of cloud.  It made for interesting driving too – especially one particular overtaking manoeuver.

Finally, one the way home we saw yet another example of the brilliant roadside wiring for power and telephones in Ecuador. (A photo for the IT people who think they have a tough wiring plan to follow!)

Looking forward to getting stuck into the work tomorrow but dinner calls…

Mark Ralf

By now most of you would have heard or read that Ras Dumisani totally and utterly f**ked up the South African National anthem on the weekend before the rugby game between the Springboks and France.

Just incase you missed it..

No rasta.

Thats sh*t will not play. You forgot some of the words and you ball raised during Die Stem (a crime in some towns).

WTF were you smoking.

No seriously. What?

Because my mate Dave says that must be the good sh*t.

UPDATE: Since the incident Dumisani has stated that he had “sung beautifully” and that “everyone at the stadium told me I sang well, even after the match”[iol.co.za] ……..whatever….puff puff pass.

UPDATE: South African Rugby Union has lodged a complaint with the French authorities over the anthem. [The Times of London]

UPDATE: French officials blame the SA embassy who also deny any responsibilty.

UPDATE: Dumisani  states on a talk show that officials made him sing with a broken microphone and he proceeded to accuse them of “wanting to sabotage” his performance. [Guardian]…..bwwwahahaha..good one sonny.

The audition was participated by both ABS-CBN and GMA stars. And it is the La Diva group that was chosen to sing Lupang Hinirang in Pacquiao vs Cotto fight. La Diva group is composed of Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia who were all “Pinoy Pop Superstar” champions.

Source: Victorina.

I sang our country’s national anthem everyday at school in Saudi Arabia. We all cribbed about how long it was. It was mandatory that we sang two national anthems (country of origin and country of residence) and a school song. By the time we reached ‘Tava śubha nāme jāge’ students would faint due to the heat. Morning school assemblies were performed underneath the sweltering sun of the desert. To escape the fury of the sun we sang the national anthem in one breath. On most days we would finish the anthem faster than the school choir. Everyone just wanted to sing and get back to the AC classrooms. This is what I remember of the national anthem.

There are numerous controversies surrounding our national anthem. Indian politics thrives on regionalism and religious disintegration. Political parties use the nation’s anthem to create regionalism and religious disintegration.

Goof Up 1/ version (a) – Are we singing for George V or India

Preface – The year was 1911. Tagore composed a poem which was to be sung on the second day of the Indian National Congress convention in Calcutta. This day was also marked by the visit of George V to India. To mark the Emperor’s visit, a song written by Rambhuj Chaudhary was sung praising the British throne. Two songs, two occasions but the “British Indian” media being British reported that Tagore had made a poem especially for the Emperor’s visit and sung it. As usual headlines were blown out of proportion.

Goof Up 1/ version (b) – Are we singing for George V or India

Tagore was asked to compose a poem to welcome the British Emperor’s visit to India. Thus, the national anthem was born. We are still singing acknowledging the British Empire.

Tagore wrote this in a letter to Pulin Behari Sen,

“A certain high official in His Majesty’s service, who was also my friend, had requested that I write a song of felicitation towards the Emperor. The request simply amazed me. It caused a great stir in my heart. In response to that great mental turmoil, I pronounced the victory in Jana Gana Mana of that Bhagya Vidhata [ed. God of Destiny] of India who has from age after age held steadfast the reins of India’s chariot through rise and fall, through the straight path and the curved. That Lord of Destiny, that Reader of the Collective Mind of India, that Perennial Guide, could never be George V, George VI, or any other George. Even my official friend understood this about the song. After all, even if his admiration for the crown was excessive, he was not lacking in simple common sense.”

Obviously, George V did not have the slightest idea of what was happening. It is a pity that we still hold on to this goof up and value both the versions.

There are very few instances I sang the national anthem in college. Multiplexes as PVR and Inox play the anthem before screening the movie. Half of the times, we reach late or just too excited that we actually made it on time. In the face of terror and tragedy, few things rekindle your spirits, singing the national anthem of your own sovereign, secular republic is one of them.

I recall singing the anthem at FAPS for Major. Sandeep’s memorial service. I think the first time I actually paid attention to each word of the anthem. Neither I nor many gathered there completed the anthem. The emotions were too overbearing. I choked by the time we reached, “Punjāba Sindha Gujarāta Marāṭhā Drāviḍa”.We don’t sing to or for George V or Queen Elizabeth or her grandsons. That day I sang the anthem to the safe keeper of India. To the same person whom Tagore composed the poem – to God…..

“Held steadfast the reins of India’s chariot through rise and fall, through the straight path and the curved”….

I’ve just finished watching the Pacquiao vs Cotto boxing match, for the second time. There were just so many things on this fight that really captivated me.

I remembered having a dream the other night that Cotto knocked Manny down. I remembered jumping off my bed checking my laptop to see if my dream was true, only to realise that the fight wasn’t on until today.

As I said, the match really captivated me in so many ways. It showcased not just the boxing as a sport but also the stories and emotions of the people surrounding it. It was like watching a series of life stories unfolding within those 12 rounds.

For starter, the fighters didn’t indulge into words bashing before the fight, which I admired. In one of their interviews, both boxers said they don’t hate each other and they even like each other. That for me is truly remarkable given the kind of sports we are talking here. But what is truly remarkable is that neither Manny nor Cotto played any dirty tactics during the fight. It was a clean fight all throughout. I may even go farther to say that Manny even gave Cotto a time to catch up his breath during the last few remaining rounds.  That’s a sign of a true sportsman right there.

The man who abandoned Manny’s family when he was still young, a.k.a. his father, was present during the match. It was like watching the story of the Prodigal Son. Only in this instance, it was the father who fell on the wayside and after realising that he’ll be better off with the family he left, decided to swallow all his pride and returned home. Although, I’m not just sure if there was a lavish party thrown on his homecoming like the son in the Prodigal Son story, but hey, he’s a father, he should have known better.

When Manny started to beat the crap out of Cotto, the camera didn’t fail to capture the horror on Mrs. Cotto’s face. At first she tried to shout out something, probably to let out whatever it was that was building up inside her chest. Then she tried to look elsewhere to somehow relax her senses from what’s going on in the boxing ring. Then when she can no longer took it; she walked out together with her son sparing them both of the horrible scenes that followed.

I think it was on the 10^th round when Cotto’s dad suggested stopping the fight, as he was worried about his son’s welfare, but he was talked out of it by the members of Cotto’s team. But prior to that, he actually went to the ringside during the break to check on his son. His son kissed him assuring that he was all right. Those were classic father and son moments.

Manny dominated the fight right to the end. And I think it was Manny’s best fight I’ve ever seen so far. He was just so into it and uhm those power punches were just so unreal. Cotto must have thought he was fighting a ghost, as he can’t see where all those punches were coming from.

Manny is the man. Forget that he tried to enter into politics, forget that he recorded an album, and, forget that he can’t clearly express himself in English language, because those were just very minute things compare to the plethora of pride he’s given to his country and to his countrymen. He’s not just a boxer; he’s a fighter, at the very core of his being.

The Pacquiao vs Cotto fight wasn’t just great, it wasn’t even just awesome; it was legendary! And for a guy like me who isn’t really into sports, I could have just watched the match and then moved on. But the fact that I wrote this blog, that says a lot. This fight is surely one of those things that I will be telling my children (huh!) in the future.

And by the way, how did you find La Diva’s rendition of the National Anthem? I’m pretty sure you have a comment or two.

I have a Colombian friend who noted that “La Diva” should have been “Las Divas.” I did not make any argument with him knowing that he knows Spanish more than I do.

Though, I am “somewhat” contented with the way the National Anthem was sung in the Manny Pacquaio – Miguel Cotto fight, I am still waiting for the first news agency to criticize the way it was done.

ABS-CBN reported:

The group is composed of “Pinoy Pop Superstar” champions Jonalyn Viray, Aicelle Santos, and Maricris Garcia.

I will wait for the criticism. Here is the video for you to watch:

Conference Call with the White House – U.S. PIRG.

1/2 boy – 1/2 man

If you read this, you WILL forward it on.

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father’s, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He’s a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.

He can save your life – or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed…

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ’square-away’ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.

Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot…

A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Prayer wheel for our military… please don’t break it. Please send this on after a short prayer.

Prayer Wheel

‘Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.’

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq, Afghanistan and all foreign countries.

There is nothing attached… This can be very powerful…

Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airman, prayer is the very best one.

I can’t break this one, sorry. Pass it on to everyone and pray.

Thank you!

I want to share with you all one of the most amazing videos I have seen and in a long time, and probably the best ever presentation of the National Anthem yet.

Even before you enter the gates of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry these days, it’s obvious that there is heavy construction activity going on in and around this popular national monument and historic shrine. As I write this, part of the entrance is blocked for a new sidewalk and curb installation and, just inside the gate, you are directed off to the right to a temporary parking lot. The old parking lot and the public restrooms have been removed and the site is being prepared for the construction of a new Visitor and Education Center, scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

Meanwhile, the statue of Orpheus, an important figure from Greek mythology, revered for his association with poetry and music, and in this case dedicated to Francis Scott Key, composer of the Star Spangled Banner, was swathed for a time in scaffolding. Both Orpheus and the statue of Lieutenant Colonel George Armistead, commander of the fort during the British Navel bombardment in 1814, were cleaned and treated with a custom wax coating to seal and protect their natural green patina. The same wax treatment was applied to the Francis Scott Key Plaque near the sally port entrance to the fort itself. These chores have been completed. The statues and plaque are looking sharp and await the completion and re-dedication of the new and expanded visitor facilities. Who knows, perhaps that clear blue sky in the “AFTER” image of Orpheus is an omen from the gods, foretelling a happy on-time and under-budget ending for the entire project. (Click images for larger views.)

For information about the company that did the restoration work on the statues and plague, click the ConservationArtisans.com link under the “Art” tab in the sidebar.

Copyright © 2009 Jim Sizemore.