Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Bob! It is an inspiring spot.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Tom!😊

tinwhistle

It's supposed to look creepy. The soldiers depicted want to be ghosts. Hard to kill a ghost. The soldiers poncho is one of his most valued possessions: you figure out why. In another post it was mentioned that some of the soldiers seemed to be carrying large backpacks. They are the unit radio men and their radio equipment. They do the best they can to cover (hide) the equipment under that poncho. You won't be able to see it in a photograph, but they wear no rank insignia. Radiomen and officers are the first to go in an ambush. Which is the reason the squad is slinking along in the tall grass and fog; all the better not to be seen. This memorial is on par with the "Wall". It isn't meant to be flashy or in your face. It is meant to be moody and provocative. It is, indeed, an excellent piece of art.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Very touching images Carol

Izluluz

I hope you have an opportunity to revisit Washington DC and take a stroll along the Korean Memorial. I had an occasion to visit there once for one day 6 years ago. The Lincoln, Korean, Vietnam, WWII memorials are what I chose to see. Respective of them all, the Korean Memorial is a spiritual place when standing among the soldiers and really seeing the photos that are emblazoned within the Granite.

On a clear close to dusk evening, its easy to imagine all those young men as they walked upon foreign soil in an open field in hopes of reaching cover on the other side. I could stand at the photo wall for hours, because each time a gaze is given and then another look is returned, something else within the photos begins to materialize to the eye broadening the reality of the larger picture. It is an amazing feat of artistry and tribute.

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

A fine series Carol.

Izluluz

Thank you for sharing CWilson341, and if I may Ms Carol. Such a wonderful reminder of the splendor that is artistry in its purest form.

Dannj

Interesting, but the very things you dislike are the aspects that draw me to it. I’m not a sculpture but I am a veteran and I feel the artist captured the despair and hopelessness experienced in combat. What you find “creepy” I find haunting. The cloaks you refer to are ponchos, I believe, a feeble attempt at staying warm and dry in miserable conditions.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

To all who have served our country in times of war: thank you for your service. I hope that Hoggers here can appreciate the sacrifice our soldiers have made. Even if we don't agree with the politics behind the scenes.

To cwilson341: thank you for sharing these photographs. They are excellent captures. If I may offer a critique, these photos may have a more significant impact of they were monochrome. More about this effect later.

To Fotoartist: I understand and appreciate your comments. I don't think that war should be glorified. The comment that this memorial is eery is spot on. Yes it is a very sad commentary on our past. The carvings I feel are designed to distance our present selves from our past soldiers. As for the sculptures draped in raincoats or ponchos I feel that the soldiers depicted were stationed in unfamiliar and unfriendly terrain. The lack of appearance of uniforms depicts us as aliens in another country.

The harsh folding and the similarity is there for this effect.

When we memorialize our past, we tend to glorify the horror. We make ourselves high and mighty. In contrast, we never glorify our enemies past or present. Why should we? They don't deserve any praise.

While I never served our country in the armed services regard, I give respect to all you have.

I often render many photographs in monochrome and at waist high or kneeling to appreciate its meaning. Even close up portraits are startling. A landscape shot just gives the impression that all is on the same level.

This of course is my humble opinion. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and technique for rendering a work of art.

Happy Shooting!

billpan45

When the sculptures were cast at a local foundry in NY, we visited the figures curing on a simple grass lawn. It was quite moving. Once they were moved to Washington DC, they were set among a design committee's carnival that included one of everything: waterfalls, wall, etchings, flag poles, terraces, lighting, shrubs, etc. For me the sculptures were far more effective without all the frills.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Wonderful series Carol showcasing an impressive memorial to those who bravely fought for us.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

In no way does the korean memorial look creepy, cheap, or amateurish! Excellent photography, carol. It will be something I will make an effort to visit the next time I am in dc.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I shall make it an effort as well.
Thanks cwilson for these captures.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you for adding clarity to some of the details. I strongly agree that it is a work of art.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Jack!