When I was younger woman, I lived and worked in the community of Gander, Newfoundland. Tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of the crash of Arrow Air Flight 1285 in that town of roughly 12,000 people. There were 248 American soldiers and 8 crew members on board and all perished ... the soldiers were from the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. The "Screaming Eagles" had been on a 6 month peace-keeping tour in the Sinai Dessert as part of a ten-nation force overseeing the 1979 Camp David Peace Accord. All were on their way home for Christmas, returning to their base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The photo above is of a painting that I completed of the crash site after the memorial was erected ... it is of the lake, where the aircraft came to rest and also of the statue that was placed on the site. The statue is of a soldier in casual dress with two small children, both holding olive branches symbolizing peace.
I spent a great deal of time at the crash site, sketching, photograghing and just being there ~ it is place that I am very familiar with. I was so very honoured that the local Masonic group created prints from my original and I believe that most of the families were sent one (if they so desired).
Many lives were changed that day and I think of those families very often and the small town that came together to offer support and receive the loved ones of those lost.
4 comments:
We never know what the life will bring us, just a few moments can change everything. Some memories will be with us forever...It is nice what you have done for the families:)
You have honored a tragic event in a wonderfully tender way. your painting is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I've driven past the signs to that memorial a couple of times but have never been able to stop. But next time I will definitely stop and pay my respects. I remember the news of the crash well. So very sad.
Hi Barbara,
I'm a new visitor to your blog. It was lovely to visit here today and read this sensitive post. Your painting is a very peaceful image and beautiful for such a sad event.
Thank you for sharing.
Jo May.
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