Vice President Biden at the Unveiling of Horse Soldiers Monument on Veterans Day in NYC

Friday evening, I had the distinct honor of being asked to photograph the unveiling of the America's Response Memorial.  It is an 18' high statue created by artist Douwe Blumberg to honor the U.S. Special Forces teams which rode into Afghanistan on horseback to fight the Taliban.  (Click on any image to enlarge).

Bill White, Master of Ceremonies and Chairman and CEO of Constellations Group, is shown with several of the benefactors for the impressive monument which now stands in the lobby of Two World Financial Center, directly across the street from the World Trade Center Memorial.  The lobby where the ceremony took place was heavily damaged in the attacks on 9-11.

A 50' high flag which flew at the WTC the day of the attack was carefully unfurled and hoisted toward the ceiling by dozens of first responders, many of whom lost loved ones.

U.S. Marine Cpl, Aaron Mankin, an Iraq veteran and wounded warrior, with his mother.  Eric first met Aaron a few years ago on Intrepid and I met him two years ago when Prince Harry visited Intrepid. We've seen his transformation as he's endured over 50 surgeries since he was wounded in in Syria. Aaron is a true inspiration, and a warm and caring man.  His mother told me that he is scheduled for yet another surgery next week.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, are welcomed into the Hall by warm applause. They were joined in the front row by various NYC dignitaries including Police Commissioner Ray Kelly who was recognized by the Vice President.

Behind the Vice President are the Horse Soldiers, the members of U.S. Special Forces Teams who rode into Afghanistan on horseback and for whom the monument is dedicated. The Vice President spoke at length about the patriotism of this country and the ongoing efforts to preserve freedom.

For more information about the monument and the artist who created it, Douwe Blumberg, please click here.

This shoot produced over 300 images .. This is just a handful of memories from a once-in-a-lifetime evening.  It was a real honor to be in the company of our brave soldiers and our Vice President.

For more event photos, please click here for Proof Positive Photography website .. and find us on FaceBook here.

Veterans Day Observance in Teaneck

Friday morning, I was asked by Teaneck Patch to cover their Veterans Day Observance at the Municipal Green.  Borough officials, Police and Honor Guard, Fire Fighters, American Legion, Sons of American Legion and many local Veterans and residents turned out to recognize the many sacrifices made for our freedoms, here and abroad, past and present.

The Ceremony was conducted on a lovely Fall morning, trees in full bloom.

Fire Fighters saluting during the Pledge of Allegiance.

Many veterans from various conflicts attended the Observance including my husband Eric, a 20-year Air Force veteran.

More photos were published on both Glen Rock and Teaneck's Patch site.  Click here to view.

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Opening Ceremonies at Intrepid

This morning I had the honor of shooting the Opening Ceremony for the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall at the Intrepid.  The Wall will remain open, free of charge, 24 hours a day, every day until November 20. It is a three-quarter scale model of the original wall in Washington D.C. (Click on any photo for a closer look).

The Nam Nights and the Intrepid Former Crew Members at the Opening Ceremony.

Intrepid Former Crew Members saluting the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall.

A highlight of the ceremony was a performance of "One More Soldier Coming Home" by rocker Eddie Money, whom Eric and I now consider a friend.

Eddie and his wife Laurie during the solemn part of the Ceremony.  He is generously donating 100% of the proceeds of his song, "One More Soldier Coming Home" to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.  Please visit Eddie's website, hear the song, and consider a contribution, $0.99 to support our soldiers! Click here for the link. 

Two former Intrepid Crew Members paying their respects at the Wall.

 

See my photos posted here, on Intrepid's website.

See more photos on FaceBook or under "Intrepid Events Gallery" at Proof Positive Photography website. Thank you!

Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall arrives at Intrepid

Yesterday, the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall was welcomed to Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum with a police and motorcycle escort from Staten Island, across the George Washington Bridge and down the West Side Highway. (Click on any image to enlarge).

The Nam Knights of America, Patriot Guard Riders, Rolling Thunder, Hudson Valley Harley and other motorcycle groups gathered together on the pier and hand carried the panels of the Memorial Wall to the display area.

The Dignity Memorial Wall will be on display until November 20.  Opening Ceremonies will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. Check back for photos of this event as well.

See more photos on FaceBook or under "Intrepid Events Gallery" at Proof Positive Photography website.

Photo published in Bergen Record

For the second time recently, the Bergen Record newspaper surprised me by publishing one of my photographs in their Monday "Insight" feature.  This morning, they chose my pumpkin in the snow photo saying that "they had other entries along the same theme" but my photo "perfectly captured the essence of the moment." 
I'm very flattered!  (Click to enlarge and read caption).

Squirrel getting ready for Winter

This little guy found a piece of the apple core that I threw out onto the patio earlier in the day. I like the sunlight on his belly, the catch lights in his eye and his camoflage with our wooden fence.

Nikon D300s, 70-200MM 2.8 VRII lens, ISO200, f/2.8, 1/80s.

October snowstorm photos from the front porch

When the weather turns as bad as it was this past weekend, taking photos from the front porch is an appealing alternative to going out.  Here are two .. click any photo to enlarge.

Nikon D40x .. ISO 100, f/3.5, 4 seconds, tripod. Shot just after sunset when the sky was still navy blue.  I like the pink and purple glow created by our orange pumpkin post light.

Nikon D40x .. ISO100, f/3.5, 7.1 seconds, tripod.  The snow plows idled long enough to get a nice long exposure and illuminate the 8" of snow.  I think this one looks like a Kinkaid painting.  Our neighbors, whose home is featured, love the shot.

For more event photos, please click here for Proof Positive Photography website ..
and find us on FaceBook here. 

Saturday snowstorm cancels Glen Rock Homecoming events

Northern NJ (and much of the Northeast) endured yet another aberration of Mother Nature, an October snowstorm on Saturday.  Pretty, yes, but it wreaked havoc on the plans of many, including events in Glen Rock.  The Tailgate Party and the Homecoming Game were canceled. Here are some photos from the day. 

The Glen Rock Panthers, the high school football team, was all ready to play their rivals in Hawthorne.  The announcement of the cancellation of the homecoming game due to heavy snow came just a few moments after this photo was shot. (Click on any photo to enlarge).

Shooting in heavy, wet snow presents challenges for cameras.  Had I thought of it, my lens shield, which I normally use in bright sun, would have been a great accessory for the lens.  Rather than risk moisture damage to my SB-800 flash, I used my pop-up, on-camera flash.

The cheerleaders on their way off the field.  These shots required light touch up in PhotoShop, due to snowflakes being caught in the flash.

The homecoming game has been rescheduled .. and at least the kids got to be together for a while, without having to be out in it all afternoon.  (They enjoyed the following Monday and Tuesday off from school due to downed trees and lines, and widespread power outages).   Please click here for the full article.

For more event photos, please click here for Proof Positive Photography website .. and find us on FaceBook here.