Editorial
WWII Veteran, Clarence Smoker is known as the “Hero of Cologne” from the documented fight where his Pershing tank destroyed a German Panther tank. His story is featured in a book called “Spearhead.” Clarence came to Washington, D.C. thinking he was signing copies of the book. Little did he know, that the U.S. Army would award him a Bronze Star in a surprise ceremony almost 75 years after the original battle.
Thousands of years ago, Egyptians built structures that have mostly stood the test of time. For history, culture and antiquity lovers, traveling through Egypt is an absolute dream. For two weeks this year, I had the privilege of leading an expedition and photographing the sights. Here are a few images that I made along the way.
On November 11, 2018, Washington National Cathedral held an interfaith worship service to remember the sacrifices of 4.7 million Americans who served in World War I and honor the role of the U.S. Military. On that same day, a separate tribute was held at Pershing Park in Washington, D.C. to honor the soldiers who fought in World War I and provide a “first look” at the new World War I Memorial. The published story is here.
Cadets from West Point stand at attention in preparation for the ceremony.
The procession through the cathedral commences the ceremony.
Members of the Corps of Cadets, United States Military Academy, and Members of the Brigade of Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy, prepare for the presentation of the centennial wreath.
Member of the Corps of Cadets, United States Military Academy, and Member of the Brigade of Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy, prepare for the presentation of the centennial wreath.
Terry Hamby (left), Commissioner, World War I Centennial, and Admiral Michael G. Muller (center), USN (Ret.), present the centennial wreath.
Presenters, speakers and attendees stand during a call to prayer.
John D. Monahan, Commissioner and American Legion Representative, WWI Centennial Commission, reads a poem during the service.
The choir and orchestra join in song during the service.
A guest is illuminated by light coming through a stained-glass window while watching the service.
Peter MacGregor (left), Warrant Officer Class 2 Pipe Major, and a member of the U.S. Army Band (right) stand at attention alongside the centennial wreath.
A member of the U.S. Army Band plays Taps while standing alongside the centennial wreath.
Attendees seated in the south nave follow the ceremony’s program.
Attendees stand and acknowledge The National Anthem as the final procession passes through the cathedral.
Sabin Howard (center), the memorial sculptor, stands by as Edwin Fountain, World War I Centennial Commissioner, explains the sculpture to his daughter.
Sculptor Sabin Howard (center) and Architect Joe Weishaar (right) are welcomed during the event by Scott Thuman, Reporter, WJLA-TV, Washington, D.C.
West Point Cadets listen attentively to a presentation by the memorial’s sculptor and architect.
Sculptor Sabin Howard (right) speaks about his process of developing the memorial as Scott Thuman (seated), reporter, WJLA-TV, looks on.
Katharina Hass gives a World War I historical performance during the festivities.
Uniforms from World War I American troops are on display in Pershing Park.
World War I American troop re-enactors explain the uniforms and gear and to attendees in Pershing Park.
A World War I American troop re-enactor twirls his mustache in Pershing Park.
The 369th Experience Band performed for the attendees.
During a musical performance by the 369th Experience Band, attendees, including John Monahan, Commissioner and American Legion Representative, WWI Centennial Commission, stand at attention.
The 369th Experience Band performed for the attendees.
The 369th Experience Band performed for the attendees.
The 369th Experience Band performed for the attendees.
An attendee enjoys the 369th Experience Band’s musical performance.
Attendees clap and enjoy The 369th Experience Band’s musical performance.
To conclude the evening, guests lowers the American flag as the 369th Experience Band director, Dr. Isrea Butler, performs Taps.
Yoko K. Sen is a sound alchemist and the founder of Sen Sound. After spending significant time in the hospital due to illness, where she was bombarded constantly with sounds, beeps and noise, she has embarked on a mission to redesign the soundscape that patients experience in the hospital. STAT News did this story on her and asked me to make portraits of Yoko and capture her creative process in Washington, D.C.’s Halcyon House.
Almost 200 years ago, engineers built The Caledonian Canal, a man-made canal that connects five natural lakes and spans Scotland from Inverness (in the east), to Corpach (in the west). Sailing the canal offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Scottish Highlands. And on the west coast, the mouth of the canal offers access to some of the the Inner Hebridean Islands. For three weeks, I traveled on a small ship, Lord of the Glens, and traversed this area to explore the landscape, culture and history. Our journey ultimately ended in Edinburgh with a chance to see its amazing architecture and witness the annual Military Tattoo. Here are a few images that I made along the way.
Aboard Lord of the Glens at Fort Augustus, Scotland, local musicians entertain guests with traditional instruments.
A couple shares a moment while enjoying the view and scenery along The Caledonian Canal from the bow of Lord of the Glens.
Two guests study the legend on a Scotland map while aboard Lord of the Glens.
Guests walk through the cemetery on Iona, a place steeped in religious history.
Outside Armadale, Scotland, a guest studies a map aboard Lord of the Glens.
On Iona, Scotland, a young girl poses for a portrait while displaying her local daily catch.
A woman samples Oban Whisky in the distillery tasting room.
In Inverness, Scotland, Junior Highland Dancers perform for guests on Lord of the Glens.
While docked in Corpach, Scotland, along the Caledonian Canal, a rainbow spans the landscape.
A herd of Highland Cattle roam the shoreline along the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
On the Isle of Eigg, Scotland, a dog sits next to its owner.
The Balmoral Hotel’s tower and The Edinburgh Castle are illuminated at dusk as seen from Calton Hill.
