It’s been a long time coming to get this presentation of my work on the Internet. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without some great help from my new “webmaster”
Thank you Andrew!
We’ve “launched” but as they say, nothing is ever finished — especially on the Internet. Explore, push the buttons, links, and poke around, I’m sure you’ll find something to intrigue, educate, provoke, delight and more… you may also find something you’d like to purchase from the Gallery, or the Products Sections.
If your need is to capture an upcoming Arlington National Cemetery Final Honors for a loved one, then please check out the ANC Final Honors Page.
The Gallery will have many more photos coming online in the next weeks. So check back often. If you’re on my Twittery or Facebook Network. You’ll see a posting when there’s a new blog entry.
Coming soon - A MEMBERS ONLY Section - Please watch the postings on Twitter or Facebook.
The key thing is, if you want me to do more (and I want to since it really needs to be done), I need your support, whether it’s choosing a selection to purchase or telling your Network of family and friends about this site.
Did you know that I can create personalized notecards from most any of the photographs you see in the gallery … just email me.
Thanks for helping me on my mission of
“Preserving the memories so others will remember”™
” Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance.
This second, we can sit down and do our work.” – Steven Pressfield
Recently, I spent the day at Arlington National Cemetery and captured the Presidential Salute Battery in action as they rendered honors …
I had another camera with me and decided to turn on it’s video mode. . . combined with a few photos taken before and during mission and it appears below.
Most all ceremonies I attend, my emotions are contained. I attended one today that I was lost for words as I mingled among them when the ceremony was concluded. But it was afterwards the tears flowed for a part of a regiment that I’ve seen over the last decade primarily in their dress blue uniforms, executing the missions ahead – either change of commands, retirement ceremonies or even final honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Today they were dressed in their ACU’s still looking sharp as they usually do, their Battalion Commander providing them words of encouragement and assuring them they have been given the best training and were being led by the best leadership. In this the “Year of the NCO,” several NCOs were mentioned and their leadership skills praised.
Charlie Company of The Old Guard of the Army will join in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom… they will spend a year in this role. Something different from what their typical day-to-day duties have been. In Old Guard tradition, I know they’ve trained well for this mission and are going to perform in an outstanding manner. It’s just sad that a regiment that I’ve grown very attached to over the years will be sending their men to the other side of the world.
I ask all of you to keep them in your prayers over the next year and I wish them Godspeed and safe return … Hooah!
At the Rhone American Cemetery north of St. Tropez, in the little city of Draguignan, above all the graves, a stone wall is inscribed:
“We who lie here died that future generations might live in peace.”
In all, 250,000 Allied soldiers stormed France’s Mediterranean shores on Aug. 15, 1944, just 70 days after the D-Day landings at Normandy, catching German troops in a pincer so tight that Hitler muttered to aides, “This is the darkest day of my life.”
The news that the remains of the downed US Navy pilot from the first Iraq war was comforting for all and shows the determination to find those who have pledged to defend the United States of America.
Over the years, I have been blessed to capture the final honors of many of those who were considered “Missing in Action” from WW II, from the Korean War, from the Vietnam War — it provides closure for the family, friends and comrades that anxiously await word that someday their loved ones were found.
Earlier this year, I attended a US Army Special Forces event and was moved by the narration that began the evening about the table that you see to your left. I was able to secure a copy of the narration and I offer it to you…
“Preserving the memories so others will remember…” ™ Continue Reading…
“Scenes of Arlington National Cemetery” from Photography by John Michael – a note card collection of outstanding photographs that take you through a small part of this National United States’ shrine – are now on sale at the cemetery’s giftshop.
From the thousands of photographs captured by this military heraldrist and historian, a collection was created to portray the dignity, solemnity and beauty of this US shrine to the heroes and those who have fought to keep freedom free.Such historic views as the McClelland Gate – the original entrance to the cemetery, The Lee House/Arlington House – original homestead of Robert E. Lee, are complemented by scenic views of US Army 3d Infantry Regiment as they execute their missions of taking those who have served to their final resting place. Classic scenes such as the Tomb of the Unknowns are also part of the collection.
John Michael, a Washington DC based photographer is known world-wide for his work in photographing the final honors of those who have served in the United States armed forces.
Ok, I’m back for a bit to announce I’ve finally finished the “foundation” of the new photo hosting site. It’ll never be done, however, it’s ready for you to explore & buy an enlargement of that favorite one. More photos will be coming, the richness will improve, & you’ll probably see this note appear from my blog (which if you haven’t read it, please do)
John Michael is a professional photographer living in the Washington DC area, who over the last decade has evolved into a dual role as a US military historian/student of military heraldry.
One distinctive hallmark of his work has been the photography of the final honors at Arlington National Cemetery & preparing a memorial book for the family or next of kin.
” Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny. This second, we can turn the tables on Resistance.
