Picture this..
This weekend marks Veterans Day, and it's a day that has come to be very special to me. Over the years, I have done a number of stories to honor those who have served the country, and this year brings a bit of a new twist.
Although I make my living 'in front' of the camera, I've been spending a lot more time on the 'other' side of the lens lately. 'Still' photography has become a passion of mine, and I decided to try something different for this story. I spent a few days, at the VA Medical facility in Vancouver last month - and met a number of the veterans who were being treated. Unlike most assignments, I didn't have one of our 'video' photojounalists with me. It was just me - and my 'still' camera. At first, only a couple of the veterans had agreed to participate, but by the end of my time there, more and more of them said they would help me with the project.
The stories I heard, and the time I spent with each of them, was very personal - and powerful. I can't tell you how much it meant to me.
I later returned - WITH one of our video photographers, and interviewed a handful of the veterans I had photographed earlier. My vision for this, was to string together several of their comments -- about country, service, sacrifice, and the meaning of Veterans Day -- and then cover the story with as many of my 'still' images as possible.
On a side note, I want to thank Mike McAleer - the Public Affairs Officer with the Portland VA Medical Center. Without his help, this story would not have happened.
I'm thinking I may get some questions about the music, too.. so, in case anyone is wondering -- the song I used for the story is called, "Our Town" - by James Taylor.
And if you'd like to see more of the pictures of the veterans - you can view a slideshow by clicking here.
I hope you get a chance to watch the final product -- during our Sunday morning news. It's scheduled to run at the end of the 7 o'clock hour. I invite you to settle in with a cup of coffee, and enjoy this tribute to Veterans Day. And to those of you who have served, and are currently serving -- I salute you.
Have a great weekend.
Joe Donlon
Comments
I look forward to watching your story on Sunday morning. I love to hear the stories of veterans. The amazing things they went through with such courage I couldn't even imagine. Veterans Day is important to me too. My mother, father and two older brothers are all veterans. My dad served in the Army for 22 years and retired as a Captain. My brothers who served in the same unit until recently went to Kuwait toghether. My oldest brother got the call once again and expects to go to Iraq later next year. My other brother plans on volunteering to go as well. The stories they share are truly great. Most are funny, some are scarry to hear. I'm grateful for all of our veterans and their families and pray for their safety. Thank you sir, for taking the time to talk with those veterans in Vancouver. I really do look forward to watcing.
Posted by: Mallorie | November 9, 2007 7:04 PM
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your tribute to our veterans. I work with these gentlemen daily at the Vancouver VA Hospital and it is such a priviledge to serve them. They are a very special group of people. Watching your interviews with them brought tears to my eyes. I thank you for recognizing their contributions and sacrifices for our country.
Posted by: Sue | November 12, 2007 12:45 AM