Memorial Day 2026

Today is Memorial Day. Yesterday evening, we visited Veterans Park in Broken Arrow, OK where they created a remembrance for this Memorial Day called Field of Heroes.

Rather than a field of flags, which one of our cemeteries displays yearly (and it's an awesome sight), Field of Heroes places boots to represent those who gave their life in service.

Organizers say there are over 600 pairs of boots on the field. Each one has a flag and a tag identifying an Oklahoman who lost their life in service to the country.

In the background of the above photo, you can see a permanent sculpture. I've driven past here many times and always assumed the silhouettes symbolized a soldier of the various branches.

When I photographed this, it spoke to me of the peace we enjoy because of the men and women who work to protect it. 

What I did not realize until I walked around more was this display is called "The War at Home Memorial." I wondered, 'what do they mean by that?'

How sobering to find out it was created to recognize those who could not heal from the mental or emotional scars of war. It's estimated that 20 veterans per day commit suicide.

Behind the fountain in the above photo is the Women's War Memorial honoring women who have served in all wars since our nation's birth. It represents those in the military, nurses, factory workers, and women who worked behind the scenes for freedom, including Betsy Ross.

I edited my pictures with a dark filter this time. It just felt appropriate for this solemn occasion.

The suicide rate of veterans is astonishing and heartbreaking. The article I linked below will shed more light on this issue and I've included some information on where to get help if you know someone who needs your support.

2025 article on veteran suicide

If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, immediate help is available:

• Call or Text: Dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
• Chat: Visit the Veterans Crisis Line Online Chat.
• Text: Send a text to 838255 for 24/7 confidential support. 

Photo Walk on Main Street

Just some photos from last fall that I thought I'd post. 

I attended a couple classes at Bedford Camera where a Canon rep gave an excellent presentation on the art of photography. One of his sessions was titled "What to Shoot When There's Nothing to Shoot." That's kind of a specialty I've developed over the years on my own, so this class not only inspired but gave me a lot of affirmation!

 That evening he led the group on a photo walk in Broken Arrow to put into practice what we learned.

One of the tips he gave was to photograph through a store window. This is an art gallery on Main St. I didn't even know it was there, so that was a bonus moment in the excursion.

Another surprise was seeing an exhibit by a friend from my old art doll club. It was great seeing Wandering Wendingo and his little collection of art monsters. 

Back on the street under an almost-full moon.

People enjoying a lovely fall evening outdoors.

Two more shots through a gallery window.

It was Halloween weekend and several people in the galleries were dressed to celebrate. On my way back to the car, I ran into these two and they graciously posed for a picture.

I'm not one for group events, like shopping or touring with a bunch of people. This was my first group photo walk and in typical fashion, I quickly got separated from the rest of the herd. I'm just much more content wandering on my own, taking my time and getting lost in the lens. 

Thank you, Bedford Camera and Jeff Leimbach, for an informative day! PS: I actually won a door prize, too - a free 16x20 canvas print. I had one of my shots of the fog rising in the Smoky Mountains done & it's hanging in my office. 

Bedford Camera

Jeff Leimbach KelbyOne