The Great War, described at the time as the “War to End all Wars,” ended at 11:00 AM on November 11, 1918. The day first became known as Armistice Day and then Veterans Day and is now an occasion to honor those who died or were wounded in all wars.
And so last evening, it seemed fitting to revisit the recently unveiled American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial near Bartholdi Park in Washington, DC. As I was framing an image across the main pool, I noticed a man and his companion moving into my frame and I waited a few seconds until they were centered and then pressed the shutter.
I felt I needed to know a little more about his story and I went over to see him. His name is Dennis and we spoke for a few minutes. In January, 1967 Dennis was a young draftee sent to Vietnam. He arrived at the main replacement center in Long Binh and was assigned to the 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division based in Cu Chi. His unit was the “Wolfhounds” battalion. In June, he was wounded in combat and his tour was over. As we spoke, several strangers came over, shook his hand, and thanked him.
Dennis told me he would be over at “The Wall” today with a bunch of his friends, also wounded veterans, where they will be smoking cigars and “telling Lies.” As I walked away, thinking about our conversation, I marveled at his quiet strength and positive outlook.
photographybykent 
A very fitting post for today. We should all thank our veterans.
LikeLike
As many were doing as I watched pedestrians walk down the middle of a closed-to-traffic Constitution Avenue this morning. Thanks for your comments.
LikeLike
Unfortunately, it is difficult to imagine the “War to End all Wars”. And whether it is possible at all! Sadly, I am not sure. Sorry for my pessimism in that particular question. Hopefully sometime it happens!
LikeLike
Very true. As you know, they had to change the name of the Great War of 1914-18 to World War I a mere two decades later with the start of World War II.
LikeLike
Honestly, after Berlin Wall collapsed, I thought we never come to the next World War. Today I doubt although I do not want to believe in that.
LikeLike
Yes, it is hard to know where things are going now.
LikeLike
A fine photo and a fitting story
LikeLike
Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
LikeLike
great image, I love the reflection. your image does a wonderful job honouring those that have served.
LikeLike
Thank you very much. It’s a small memorial sited on what was a triangular vacant lot surrounded on 3 sides by busy streets. Yet they managed top pull off a very nice design.
LikeLike