The Price Of Freedom

[smoke665]

The 4th isn't just about fireworks, BBQ, and fun, freedom has come with a price. This is a piece to honor those who served in Iraq, some of which didn't come home, and some who came home forever damaged. The background is an actual shot from the ground in Iraq, taken by her father during his tour of duty. The finger pointed is meant to signify the hope of "moving forward" for those who came home, the families of those who's loved ones didn't, and those who are still dealing with the after effects. I wanted a gritty feel to the image reminiscent of the inhospitable place, the dreamlike melding of the images is meant to remind us of the two vastly different views of war.
July2420240615_0225-Edit 2.jpg by William Raber, on Flickr

 

[Original katomi]

Hi Smoke,
Whilst the 4th is not the same to me here in uk I have had a loved one in a conflict zone.
As you say freedom comes at a cost, it’s upon those who were not there to remember that . Be it recent or not
From me to you have a good day

 

[jeffashman]

Thank you for this! I know a Marine who was in Faluja during the worst of the fighting there, and he came home severely damaged inside from what he saw and experienced. I have a t-shirt that says, "If we are willing to send them, we must be willing to mend them." The cost is more terrible than many know.

 

[smoke665]

"If we are willing to send them, we must be willing to mend them." The cost is more terrible than many know.

Sadly the further we get away from the conflict the less thought goes into mending them.

 

[denum]

Well done. Thank you.

 

[slat]

Really like what you have done here.