Tribute

Part I

After five or six years of use, my Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 never lets me down.  This was the first lens I purchased beyond the kit lens for my DSLR and while many "pros" wouldn't touch it, I have simply adored the results I have gotten - definitely a huge amount of bang for buck at around $250.  It is one of the least expensive Canon zooms but the results for general use certainly don't look cheap.  Sure, I would like to have a 70-200mm f/2.8 for those great low light shots but who has an extra $2000 dollars sitting around?  To me, the fact that I can clearly see the pilots of the Blue Angels in my shot that I took while standing on the flight line tells me that the lens is doing it's job.  Between the zoom capabilities, the image stabilization, and the fast focus, I couldn't ask for more from my $250.  The shot above is a cropped version of the one below.

All of today's shots, with the exception of the two with my brother-in-law and my nephew, were taken with my 55-250mm.  So, the first part of my tribute today goes to my trusty go-to lens, my 55-250mm.  From sports to landscapes to nature to airshows, it's always in my bag!

Part II

After almost twenty years of being around a family with such a strong military history, I have yet to become immune to the pomp and circumstance, the dedication and sacrifice, the tradition and honor, and the valor and bravery the military represents. 

I had the amazing honor of being part of my brother-in-law's retirement ceremony last weekend.  After thirty years of service in the United States Air Force, he was saying goodbye.  While his commander spoke at the ceremony, I learned facts about my brother-in-law's service and his life that he, like so many of those who serve, had never told about himself.  His voluntary life of service to our country reminded me that my life is the way it is, free and protected, because of the many that are just like he is.  The many who serve everyday both here in the United States and abroad.

I sat at his ceremony with Kleenex in hand as I watched and listened.  Watching our country's flag being ceremoniously folded and presented. Hearing congratulatory letters from commanders and former presidents being read.  Watching my sister-in-law pin a medal to the lapel of her husband that she often was without while their children were so young.  Hearing the names of so many family members, there to support my brother-in-law's accomplishments, being introduced.  Hearing the applause of appreciation and admiration from a filled-to-the-brim room of military personnel.  Watching father and son pass along tradition.

So, Part II of my tribute today goes to our military.  Every single day, this is what they are doing - serving so willingly and selflessly with such precision and perfection as unseen in any other organization or business in today's world.  Every single day, may we never forget that we have what we have in this country because of them!