November 11, 2009
“Portrait of a Soldier” (pencil sketches of deceased Illinois vets since 9-11)
At the Belmont Village Senior Living Facilities, residents who are veterans have their photographs hanging on the walls. It’s part of a project by Thomas Sanders (24), who felt his generation didn’t understand the scope of the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.
I believe that current and future generations should be made aware of the sacrifices that the WWII soldiers made and the link they have with all generations and all Americans.
My project is the visual bridge to that understanding.
I am creating a book of work that is simple but striking, as it commemorates the sacrifices and honors the lives of our Veterans; both when engaged in combat and later as civilians.
As time passes, we are rapidly losing the voices of those who still have much to teach us about the true nature of war. We must capture their thoughts soon or lose the opportunity forever.
The urgency is to document not only the famous veteran, but also the everyday veteran — each with an important story to tell.
American Heroes: Portraits of Service
Photography by Thomas Sanders
In Fall 2008, Belmont Village met a remarkable young photographer on a mission – to capture the images and personal stories of World World II veterans – regardless of rank and service area – with the ultimate goal of preserving them in a book. Intrigued by Tom’s mission, talent and insight, and captivated by the opportunity to help our residents share their stories, we commissioned him to photograph our veterans in Belmont Village communities throughout the country. Tom set out to create the striking images you see here, a selection from the nearly 300 portraits he has produced. The photos now hang in galleries at our communities – each one presenting the unique and compelling stories of the residents within.
Follow the link for more information.
Tags: citizens against proobama media bias, courage, US armed forces, us army, us marines, US NAVY, US Military veterans, valor, honor, WORLD WAR II, veteran's day, personal sacrifice, veterans of foreign wars, US COAST GUARD, US AIR FORCE, Armistice Day, thomas sanders, Belmont Village Senior Living Facilities, WWII VETERANS, WORLD WAR II VETERANS, "tHE gREATEST gENERATION", BELMONT VILLAGE, "American Heroes: Portraits of Service"
