No. I was having a blast at BotCon. Going to a funeral would've been a real downer. Also, who goes to to funerals for people they didn't even know? Isn't that more'n a little weird?
It is a horrible loss for his family. But that is why it is called war. Im just glad so many did show up to honor his life.
One of the guys I work with scans the obit section of the local paper every day looking for military funerals. If he can make it he goes, and takes pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. And then puts them on his Flickr page. I asked him why just military funerals, and he said it was his duty as a citizen to honor and memorialize them, because so few will.
For that guy, then, I can see how it makes sense. I personally don't agree with it, but it's a free country. Also, I'm not sure that his Flickr account is the best possible venue for doing so, but hey, the intent is solid. But the funerals are family affairs...I'd hope he at least gets their permission. I know I'd expect my brothers to whip his ass if he showed up at mine without checking first.
He's a freelance photographer, but he doesn't attempt to make money from military funerals. He'll ask the families' permission to photograph them, if they say yes, he'll get close up shots, if they decline, then he'll take shots from afar without getting anyone in the image. Interestingly enough, he's never been declined, and most families thank him for what he's doing. If a family doesn't have web access, then he'll offer to send them a set of prints free of charge.
Helping the family out like that is pretty righteous. Far as the original topic, did you go, optimusprime42? I know your mom's van had some issues--but I hope you didn't let that stop you!
i think if i could, i would have made a stop at the funeral- if not the place where you could go to pay respects. it's his sacrifice that allowed us to have a BotCon or other kinds of assemblies. and also, i'd do it because of my dad and uncle- they'd want me to do something like that if possible. you don't have to avoid it because it is a bummer or downer. go, whisper a thanks and then celebrate harder to honor what someone does for you. that's what it is all about.
I'm having a kinda crappy day, but I want to let you know that you've actually brightened it up more'n a little. Thanks, guy.
