THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: WWII Memorial


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Nothing special

What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done when no one was watching? – Interesting ask from the daily prompt.

Comparing any difficult thing I’ve done to what a lot of people do in terms of bravery isn’t right. Those who work in the medical field or police and firemen. Those are brave people. Our service men and women, those are brave people.

I wrote about a few personal incidents that a daily prompt asked about bravery years ago, so I won’t repeat that. I thought of the time I spent caregiving but that isn’t bravery, it’s just humanity.

I was with both of my parents alone when they left this world and that was difficult.

The answer is probably simple and the same for a lot of us. It’s dealing with mental and physical pain. The kind that hurts, that only you feel and absorb and hide. To those in pain, you have my respect and sympathy. And I hope you are free of it in the future.

Below are a few shots of what I think of when I see bravery. People who made great sacrifices. I found a lot of them one day at the WWII Memorial in DC many years ago.

A view of the World War II Memorial featuring a large central fountain and numerous granite pillars adorned with wreaths, with visitors strolling around and colorful autumn trees in the background.
WW II Memorial Fountains. Photo by Mike Hartley

WWII vets are known as the Greatest Generation. My parent’s generation.

A group of individuals, many in wheelchairs, wearing matching blue shirts, gathered at a memorial site, with water features and trees in the background.
Photo by Mike Hartley

I don’t think we learned enough important lessons from them, or we wouldn’t be in the position we are in today.

An elderly man sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a red shirt and a white cap, shielding his eyes from the sun with one hand while holding glasses in the other.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Bravery is very difficult to remember for some.

A young boy stands in front of a black wall inscribed with names, touching the surface thoughtfully. He wears a gray shirt, striped shorts, and a cap, carrying a bag over his shoulder.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Photo by Mike Hartley

Bravery can come in small packages.


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Names I think of today

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be? – Sorry, not my type of question from the Daily Writing prompt.

I can’t think of anything that I would change my name for or what I would want for a new name. Changing the first thing my parents gave me seems so removed from any thought I’ve ever had. I guess if you had to go into witness protection from something but I don’t see that happening.

I also have at least 3 nicknames given to me by my best friends so those aren’t changing either.

So instead, on this 80th anniversary of D-Day, I’m going to honor 3 names of family members who fought in WW2. My Father Jim, my Uncle Bob, and Uncle Frank are the names I’m honoring. Like many WW2 vets, they have passed a long while back. So few are left today and I fear the lessons and perspectives that are so needed today are lost.

WWII Veterans. Photo by Mike Hartley

We have so many people removed so far from the sacrifices so few make to provide the safety and democracy we enjoy. The gap in that needs to be much shorter. We need to learn from our history or we are doomed to repeat it. People who have no respect for our service members or the sacrifices they made and continue to make have no place in elected office.

World War II Memorial in Washington DC. Photo by Mike Hartley

Other replies to this question here: https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt-1961