Google Doodle — Veterans Day 2019

I can't begin to tell you how honored I am to have been chosen to do this  painting. I can only hope that my particular painting style  does the day justice. My aim was to capture the hopes of all those who have served this great nation that their commitment  and sacrifice to the cause of liberty  will not be forsaken. Because make  no mistake, each and every service member who dons the uniform and takes that solemn oath to defend the Constitution is indeed sacrificing a portion of their liberty, their safety, and in many cases their entire lives,  so that others may live and prosper in freedom. We as a nation must never forget that.

The children in this painting represent the future. In dressing up in camouflage  and sailor garb, they salute each branch of  the armed forces as a whole. They are engaged in a common practice these days of decorating a field or clearing with little American flags in honor of Veterans Day. The subject of children planting flags is one I've painted many times now. I find it to be a moving and poignant symbol of hope, I hope you will as well.

I want to thank the folks at Google for giving me the opportunity to honor our Vets. But on a more personal level I want to thank the Veterans who sprang into action to save  my life in a dusty, bombed-out aircraft hangar in Balad, Iraq some 16 years ago. I also want to thank the military doctors who resuscitated me, who operated on me, and who cared for me for the next 15  months while I recovered. I also want to thank the fellow injured Veterans I recovered with at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for your perseverance and inspiration. I want to thank those who have made it their life's mission to honor and provide for the support and care of our great Vets. Lastly, I would like to thank all the Veterans who serve to protect this great nation— past,  present, and future.

Happy Veterans Day!

Ret Sgt Pete Damon
​USANG