An Afternoon with Dad

Very nice image that you will be happy to have. My father was a WWII vet of the South Pacific as well. Never revealed much about it to me as a child. In his later life I tried to get more from him, but unfortunately he is gone now and many of his experiences I will never know. My wife is now heavily involved in Michigan Honor Flight where they are taking planeloads of vets to DC to see the memorial dedicated to them. Many pass before their turn comes. Quite a generation...

I love this photograph, and the accompanying story. Well done, and thank you for sharing.

A touching portrait and story. It's wonderful that you are getting a chance to spend the time with him now. Thanks for sharing.

All the best,
Daniel

a great portrait and very sensitive testament of a member of "The Greatest Generation"....


Miles

I hope you understand his pains and the person. I can't even think of what it was like. Just watch the military channel to figure out what they had to go through but like everything in life, someone can tell you all about it and still not know the exprience. Mine died 20 years ago this next July and I still miss him so much. He helped me with my photography and to get me through photography school. Don't give up he will come around and I'm sure the love is really there.
As for the photograph it is great, it shows to me a man with a heavy heart of a bad experience. Freedom doesn't come free and people like your father paid for us.

mja

What a blessing it is to have a father alive. I miss my dad. I hope the relationship ends up being satisfying to you both!

I like this story together with the photograph. Powerful stuff. After watching much of Ken Burns' recent WWII documentary, I can't imagine what 'film clips' your father has in his head. If it's possible to record what your dad says about the war, it might be helpful in some way, now, or down the road for future generations, although, this can be difficult.

I have parents (pictured earlier with this assignment) who were kids on both fronts of the war. My mom in Indonesia, occupied by the Japanese, and my dad in The Netherlands, occupied by the Germans. I've been recording stories.

The contrasts between our lives and our parent's lives is incredible. Thanks for sharing your story, shicks5319.

Marc

A truly beautiful portrait of your dad! My father had also served in the Pacific Theatre. I had been told he was part of the 'clean-up' crew of Pearl Harbor--I'm sure he lived with many horrific scenes in his mind. He, too, passed away some 20 years ago.

A wonderful shot, something for you and your family to treasure. The story adds another dimension to an already great portrait which is great.

David