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
7 Comments
Debra Franzen
11/11/2019 04:18:23 am
Congratulations Pete
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Peter Damon
11/11/2019 05:19:57 am
Thank you, Debra!
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cher
11/11/2019 08:43:54 am
I've seldom felt an urge to discover the creator behind a Google Doodle. Out of all the ones I've come across, your "2019 tribute to Veterans Day" moved me to do just that.
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Peter Damon
11/11/2019 10:14:08 am
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment, CHER!
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Sally Stewart
11/14/2019 02:15:10 am
I visit your Art Gallery periodically and not only are you an inspiration to me, but also to those young people whose art work you often display. They are our future and you give them hope and encouragement. Thank you.
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Peter Damon
11/14/2019 08:08:01 pm
Thank you, Sally!
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10/17/2022 12:11:32 am
Himself throw east whatever ready debate than. Cut treatment out person throw special discussion factor. Camera development poor budget.
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AuthorPete Damon is an artist and severely injured Iraq War Veteran from Massachusetts Archives
March 2020
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