Our lives are a lot like that of a wave, in how we roll through the sea of life, in an ocean of existence, headed for some place. But unlike a wave, we have choices we can make that determine our final destiny. Those choices determine who, and what we are, because we learn from them. Hopefully making for a somehow “better” you and I. The ability to choose is what makes us human. The desire to select by principle, can make us something else.
In the Gospel there is a key saying that has always spurred me when I needed it: “Faith without works is dead.” I sometimes need the spur to be taken to me. My friends and subjects are generally quite happy to oblige.
A simple e mail had dropped into my G mail in box mid week. It was from Venturan Steven Schleder, someone I had met in the course of our recent city elections. The crux of the message was: :”Are you still going?” The letter was in reference to a Memorial service for Col Lewis Millett. A man who had dropped everything and come to Steven’s aid several years ago in a quest to restore a desecrated graveyard in Ventura. You can read a little about that here via K38 Rescue’s blog. My home town did something vile in it’s past. Many believe that honor dictates the desecrated graveyard be restored somehow. Steven had been the sole man to charge up that hill. The city understandably, sought to marginalize him. Now there are many more behind him. The number swells as our honor bound friends hear the sordid tale.
When I agree to shoot something, I know that my simple “yes” means anywhere from 2-5 days worth of work. In this case I had said yes 6 days prior and promptly shelved the affirmation. (I had forgotten about it.) Steven also asked if I could maybe shoot motion. Imagine a slot machine and all the little icons whizzing by. Ding ding ding! That was my psyche the day I realized that my own word had snared me. Okay I would shoot a film now, in addition to stills.
A quick e mail to my partners and colleagues asking for someone to step forward, brought three responses from three men. Tyler Swain and Rob Dafoe would do it if there was no other. Aaron Marcellino said that though he had just arrived back in town by train that day, and was moving into a new house, he would be at my door at 6:30 Saturday morning with his motion kit. We have a good group. Any of us would come at a moment’s notice for another’s project. Each person has mad skills.
Aaron and I arrived at the Riverside Memorial which stands overlooking March AFB at 9:30 am and dragged our gear a 1/2 mile or so and without a word, fell into our separate production roles.
What passed before my eyes remains burned into my psyche. It will make for a great short film. I look forward to completing it. You can read more about Col Millett here.
If you have never been to a Military memorial, please take some time and look at these images. We made them to honor Col Lewis Millet: Medal of Honor holder, but much more than that, a man of God who earned his repose in a dedication to country, family and honor, out of love for his fellow man. No, the irony does not escape me. It enforces just how important this country and a true moral compass heading are.
This beautiful piece was sent along by my old friend, Terry Irwin. It says a lot about the human condition.
As we head towards Christmas, maybe ponder a little bit about sacrifice, love and strength. Have you made a choice about who and what you will follow? What shore you will wash up on?
Here is a beautiful piece about Christmas and small honors leading to great things. Think about the beat of the snare as you see the casket headed for the dirt of a cemetery. Now think about someone bulldozing the thing. My town did that. They made it into a dog park. Bad choice.
From Drew Kampion:
In things best known to you finding the best, or as good as the best,
In folks nearest to you finding the sweetest, strongest, lovingest,
Happiness, knowledge, not in another place but this place, not for
another hour but this hour …
One merely needs to stand in the presence of our elders to truly understand the values of the lives we lead. The shedding of our ‘self’ is present when we take time to simply listen. Colonel Lewis Millett was one of many strong warriors that have led our nation. Most of us reading this have never had to stand up and fight for anything, let alone for anyone else. We have been gifted this great nation by their blood, their sacrifice, and their duty. The stewardship that is passed along lies in the field of colors that flies on our American Flag. This was truly a special day. I am honored to have been present and to be amongst friends. We can be a witness of others actions, but we are responsible for our own. This man showed us how it is done.
I am very pleased that I still stand among elders,it is an honor. I am still able to stand next to my mother. All of my elder s in my family have moved on except 88 year old mom. I have been finding surogate elders to hang with as well,so much knowledge that they can pass to us younger ones. We are all blessed to have elders and when we loose them to time we began to morph into the elders if we are so lucky. It is our duty to pass on this knowledge to the eager ears.
Thank you for sharing the funeral through your lovely pictures.
Heartbreaking and inspiring. Men and women of Honor.
Uauh. Beutifull David. No words to express
Find the cost of freedom buried in the ground. What incredible fortitude and love of freedom this man embodied. Every combat vet I’ve spoken to gets that “look” if they are willing to talk of combat. It’s the look that only someone who has been there can really appreciate. It leaves a scar in the heart and mind that can never be erased. I am so thankful for the service of all the men and women of our armed forces who so selflessly give of themselves.
When one leaves a comment here it says a lot. Especially when the subject may not be so PC. But what does indeed make for a strong tribe and country are those willing to step forward. You have, and I am deeply grateful. None of us wants to stand alone, no matter how determined we are. When someone steps up the affect of a thing is multiplied. Thank you all.
I’m not sure our world understands what honor means. Here’s my take.
Honor is appreciation and dedication to emulate the honoree in one’s own life.
In the case of Colonel Millett, I leave it those who knew him to tell us about the man, his character, his actions and his beliefs.
Living to honor is in effect to let their memory and the impact of their life act as a mentor for as we seek to be the best people we can be.
I wish I had known Col. Millett. Yet, knowing a few of those who have been touched by the man enable me to know him a little, and honor him with my thanks and gratitude for the life he lived.
Great article about a great man, and fabulous pictures. I found you through one of Steve’s emails. Thank you for sharing this story and for supporting St. Mary’s.
This comment from one of the guys in Iraq.:
“They should have had his picture on the front of ever newspaper and internet site across the land. “Fuck Michael Jackson!”. Here is a real hero, a medal of honor winner, and Yahoo doesn’t even mention it. Makes me sick.