Long on Memory daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Long on Memory, Jo-Ann Sanborn

acrylic on board, 6"6"

My dad was a veteran of World War II, and every Memorial Day a small flag is placed on his grave by the local veteran's organization.  He wasn't killed in the war, but did die young, and the sight of a flag on any veteran's grave makes me appreciate, once again, the sacrifices that young men and women made and still make for our freedom. 

As a child, on the evening before Memorial Day students in my neighborhood would gather up bunches of lilacs and march from the school to a nearby Veteran's Monument by the river for a service of remembrance.  The lilacs grew wild in abundance then, and the smell of them still reminds me of those evenings and placing my flowers around the edge of the monument at the end of the program. 

Here on Marco, Veterans place flags all along the median on Collier Blvd. It's a simple gesture, but one that makes us remember the solemness of the holiday as we go about our boating and family picnics.  A groundbreaking for a memorial in Veteran's Park was held recently.  The memorial will become the center of our collective memory of service-related loss here on the island.

If you are a Veteran or our armed services, or still serving, thank you for your service.  I'm very grateful for your sacrifice. 

Memorial Day, Nine Palms Daily painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Nine Palms
6" x 6" unframed

acrylic on Panel
$120 with FREE shipping and handling in the US

Today's Everglades painting, Nine Palms, almost looks like a parade, doesn't it? As a kid, and when I return to Gloucester, we always attend the Memorial Day parade, ending at the Oak Grove Cemetery, where many Veterans, including my Dad now, are buried. Someone placed flags at the grave of every Veteran, and there were newly planted colorful flowers on most as well.

Marching would be Veterans in a variety of uniforms from a variety of conflicts. The High School band, Boy Scout Troops and Girl Scouts carrying bouquets of lilacs would round out the parade. Sometimes there would be a mournful bagpipe group, always my favorite.

Here on Marco there's a grateful rememberance at the Marco Cemetary, and a bright row of flags along the main street to ensure that we don't forget those who have died or are still fighting for our country. I've put my flag out, and I'm grateful to every one.

Veiled Sun

A few mornings ago the sun came up amid some clouds diluting the luminosity of the sun even though the ground was clearly showing sunlight. It was an interesting, if short lived phenomena. I've tried to capture it in this small painting. I'm always amazed at how quickly the morning sky changes. Looking out the window before my shower it can be a rich grey, and by the time I go out for the morning paper there can be layers of morning colors reaching high in the sky. Each day is different, and here on the island it's rare to have the morning light "flat".
On another subject, what will you be doing this Memorial weekend? Make it a safe, restful and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, but take a moment to remember and to be grateful for those who have served our country. We owe them our freedom. If you'd like to learn more about this traditional holiday, click here.

Veiled Sun
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
acrylic on canvas
$150 plus $12 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.