Last week, on Wednesday, I got to experience a particular event. Bellow the wrestling horses statue, Texas State held a Veterans day ceremony in the quad. I got to attend the event as a photographer for a Texas State project. Starting off with a whole host of qualified speakers, the event quickly filled up. The flags where flown and people listened quietly as they reflected on the sacrifices veterans have made to keep them safe.
As I took photos with my handy dandy 35, I noticed something peculiar. For the first time in my stay at Texas State have I noticed a group of people feel such strong emotions. As I scanned the audience with my viewfinder, I could see in their faces the genuine feelings and deep thought they held .
Just as this phenomenon reached hold of me, the general came to the podium. I forget his name, but I highly doubt that has any importance. What is important is how this man, this General, spoke. He spoke short and hard, yet had everyone hanging from his every word. I could swear his dark aviators looked into my soul. Speaking of the American revolution, to the fallacies of Vietnam - everyone sat and listened. This was a man with the power to explore the genuine feelings the audience was holding.
Then the planes flew. Flying high above, the jet fighters shook the ground and added the climax to this emotional ceremony. As the ceremony wound down, I found myself thinking, "what did it all mean?" This emotional journey (if I can call it that), truly surprised me. This show of appreciation for the brave soldiers protecting us, may have been just like the thousand others going on across the nation, but for Texas State, and at least for me - this was something spectacular.
Yet, the question still remains : What does it all mean? I looked at the last picture in my roll and it finally clicked.
It means we are darn lucky, to have these brave souls have our backs.
- Edgar
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