Joel Anderson

7 years ago · 5 min. reading time · 0 ·

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Moments: Snap shots in time.

Moments: Snap shots in time.

 

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A special thank you to Lisa Gallagher and Dean Owen. Lisa's article on her life as an insomniac and the photo of her sunrise reminded me of the importance of moments in our lives: past, present and yet to come. Dean recommended that I post this here. To all of you bees who read this. Cherish your moments and make a difference.

I originally saw this picture posted in an article from Melinda Hall in January 2016.  It took me back to June 6, 2004. On that day, we assembled at Normandy to pay homage and respect to those who participated in the invasion of Normandy. A day of honor and respect for those who sacrificed so much during a moment in time during June 1944.

As I looked at this snap shot, it made me reflect on the importance of moments in our lives that far too often we take for granted.  Moments from our past, current moments, and yes even moments yet to come. It made me think of a generation who had experienced so much in their lives up to that point. It also made me think about perspective and understanding how moments can have profound effects on us individually and collectively. How this one picture, a snap shot of a moment, captured so much in its simplicity. The seemingly surreal calmness of these men walking up from a beach that just a short time before, had been the site of such utter chaos, such unimaginable horrors, such unselfish commitment, uncommon courage, and the unspoken honor of a generation of people committed to just doing the right thing. This one moment in time, speaks volumes.

I grew up with and admiring men from the “Greatest Generation.” Bob Anderson (my father) who found himself later in the war as a navy corpsman at a staging base in the Marshall Islands preparing for the invasion of mainland Japan. Elmer Blankenhagen, who fought at the Battle of the Bulge. Bob Dole, severely wounded in Italy, who would become a senator from Kansas and eventually a Presidential candidate. My youth was filled with these men, and many others. Learning from them, being mentored (before I even knew it) by them, admiring them, and yes wanting to be like them.

On June 6th 2004 I listened to then President George W. Bush present his remarks. I listened to then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Myers reflect on the importance of a moment in time: June 1944. I looked at this picture this morning, and found myself pondering the picture and self-reflecting on just how important moments are in our lives? On that day in 2004, I found myself in a moment, fortunate enough to participate in such a solemn event and having the privilege of taking it in with my Marines (young men and women) from the embassy in Paris. Following the official ceremonies, we had the opportunity to tour the cemetery at Omaha, the ridgeline and the beaches. It was a profoundly humbling and poignant experience. Yes a moment in my time line that will never be forgotten. As we walked the hallowed grounds of Normandy, there were a number of WWII veterans strategically placed along the ridgeline at Omaha. These veterans were surviving “first wavers” who had been invited to come to the celebration and provide a living history and testimonial to the events that occurred some 60 years before. One hero was positioned a few feet away from a path leading down to the beach.

As we stood overlooking the beaches with the rows of graves behind us, and happened across this “first waver” who told us his story, we were taken back in time. We stood there in awe, listening to the tumultuous events that this brave man was recounting. On this day however, it was sunny, pleasantly warm and a slight breeze made the day all the more pleasing; a stark contrast to what this brave soul had experienced some 60 years before. After we left this member of the “Greatest Generation” and prepared for the “short” walk to the beaches below, I stopped my Marines and asked them to look at the site before them, do not turn back but reflect on the row upon row of graves behind you. We made the trek to the beaches which were like any other beach one might expect to see along the edge of an ocean, yet the gravity of the events that we were there to pay homage to, began to set in. When we arrived at the beach, with its placid waters ebbing and flowing in a surreal calm, and we looked at the quite water before us, I asked my Marines to think back to the description of events that we had just heard, the intensity and emotion within the voice and on the face of our fellow comrade in arms, even after 60 years separation from that day’s events. I asked them, as small unit leaders, to now put themselves in the moment, see the massive armada assembled before them, see the obstacles and barriers, and understand the “task before them.” Land on the beach, take the high ground and continue the assault forward. I then asked them to turn around, see the terrain and consider what they would do, if transported into the same fight, the same moment in time as small unit leaders. We stood there for several minutes and then silently began the short trek back up to the bluffs and the cemetery from where we had just been moments before. I will not speak for those who were there, but I will speak from the heart on my personal experience. In having that opportunity to walk the line on that particular day, for those fleeting moments I was profoundly moved by the experience and will always look at June 8th with a renewed sense of honor and pride. Honor and pride for those whom have gone before and a legacy of hope that they afforded through their actions during a particular moment in time in our global history. Hope for moments yet to come.    

As I grew up there were other snap shots in my life that had profound effect, some obvious and known at the time and some unknown and not readily apparent at their particular moment. I am convinced that these experiences, past-present-and future, each that have occurred or will occur during their own season, their own time and their own place at a particular point along my journey have occurred for a reason. There are far too many of these moments—snap shots in time for this post.   There are far too many individuals—men, women, white, black, republican, democrats for me to call out individually, but know that each of you have been and continue to be noticed, appreciated and have influenced my moments in time.

As we look to the future, let us not forget the past. In my reflection and posting these comments it is my hope that we can truly and fundamentally appreciate the fact that moments influence us all. Moments that transcend the differences in generations, our ethnic differences, our differences in gender, and our philosophical differences. Moments that despite the chaos and tumult of our world, affect and influence each of us in their own right, in their own time, and in their own profound ways.

Take a moment to relish the snap shots in your life, appreciate them and grow from them. To each of us who take the momentary steps along our chosen paths, enable the most out of each of your moments and use them to make a difference.

Disclaimer:  This article was originally posted on Linkedin on January 11, 2016, and re-posted here at the recommendation of a fellow bee.  The Normandy operation occurred between June 6 through July 1944.  A moment, a snap shot in time, is reflected based on the photo.  According to the original article posted by Melinda Hall, the second person in the photo, captured in mid-stride was killed in action a few weeks later. 

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author.

For other works by Joel Anderson: https://www.bebee.com/@joel-anderson

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Comments

Joel Anderson

6 years ago #18

https://youtu.be/dv2Wi-hFlJ8

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #17

#16
As we walked through the museum, I stuck close by my seat mate from lunch, listening to her brother explain every piece in the museum and asking her questions along the way. You see, every piece had a personal story. Each piece had been donated by, because of, or in remembrance of someone that they had come across or knew some 60 years before. As we carefully made our way through the museum, I noticed that my new friend was becoming more and more somber as we went through each section of the museum. Then at the final section, before one could enter, she begin to cry with tears coming down her cheeks. I turned to her brother and asked what was wrong, is there something I can do? He gently put his hand on my shoulder and said, no this room is the only room dedicated to one person. Your see, my sister was the eldest. She was a teenager. She met a boy, a US soldier. They fell in love and he had written his folks about their desire to marry when the war was over. So we entered this special room and there right in front of us was a picture of two young people. A young man and a young woman. You could tell that they were happy. It was a picture that had accompanied a letter and years later, had made its way back to the museum. He told me that he was killed at the Battle of the Bulge. My sister never married and she has loved that young man her entire life. Yep, a moment--a snap shot in time, before and after.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #16

#16
As we walked through the museum, I stuck close by my seat mate from lunch, listening to her brother explain every piece in the museum and asking her questions along the way. You see, every piece had a personal story. Each piece had been donated by, because of, or in remembrance of someone that they had come across or knew some 60 years before. As we carefully made our way through the museum, I notice that my new friend was becoming more and more somber as we went through each section of the museum. Then at the final section, before one could enter, she begin to cry with tears coming down her cheeks. I turned to her brother and asked if something was wrong, is there something I can do? He gently put his hand on my shoulder and said, no this room is the only room dedicated to one person. Your see, my sister was the eldest. She was a teenager. She met a boy, a US soldier. They fell in love and he had written his folks about their desire to marry when the war was over. So we entered this special room and there right in front of us was a picture of two young people. A young man and a young woman. You could tell that they were happy. It was a picture that had accompanied a letter and years later, had made its way back to the museum. He told me that he was killed at the Battle of the Bulge. My sister never married and she has loved that young man her entire life. Yep, a moment--a snap shot in time, before and after.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #15

#16
As we walked through the museum, I stuck close by my seat mate from lunch, listening to her brother explain every piece in the museum and asking her questions along the way. You see, every piece had a personal story. Each piece had been donated by, because of, or in remembrance of someone that they had come across or knew some 60 years before. As we carefully made our way through the museum, I noticed that my new friend was becoming more and more somber as we went through each section of the museum. Then at the final section, before one could enter, she begin to cry with tears coming down her cheeks. I turned to her brother and asked if something was wrong, is there something I can do? He gently put his hand on my should and said, no this room is the only room dedicated to one person. Your see, my sister was the eldest. She was a teenager. She met a boy, a US soldier. They fell in love and he had written his folks about their desire to marry when the war was over. So we entered this special room and there right in front of us was a picture of two young people. A young man and a young woman. You could tell that they were happy. It was a picture that had accompanied a letter and years later, had made its way back to the museum. He told me that he was killed at the Battle of the Bulge. My sister never married and she has loved that young man her entire life. Yep, a moment--a snap shot in time, before and after.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #14

#16
As we walked through the museum, I stuck close by my seat mate from lunch, listening to her brother explain every piece in the museum and asking her questions along the way. You see, every piece had a personal story. Each piece had been donated by, because of, or in remembrance of someone that they had come across or knew some 60 years before. As we carefully made our way through the museum, I notice that my new friend was becoming more and more somber as we went through each section of the museum. Then at the final section, before one could enter, she begin to cry with tears coming down her cheeks. I turned to her brother and asked if something was wrong, is there something I can do? He gently put his hand on my should and said, no this room is the only room dedicated to one person. Your see, my sister was the eldest. She was a teenager. She met a boy, a US soldier. They fell in love and he had written his folks about their desire to marry when the war was over. So we entered this special room and there right in front of us was a picture of two young people. A young man and a young woman. You could tell that they were happy. It was a picture that had accompanied a letter and years later, had made its way back to the museum. He told me that he was killed at the Battle of the Bulge. My sister never married and she has loved that young man her entire life. Yep, a moment--a snap shot in time, before and after.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #13

#16
Thanks Tony. Interesting perspectives on moments, before and after Thanks for sharing the pictures. As part of my experience I recall a trip we made to Bastogne and surrounding areas. One specific scheduled event was a lunch and tour of a place, as I recall, called "The Freedom Museum." It was a privately run museum by a family who had experienced both the war and the Battle of the Bulge. While we had lunch, we listened to the brothers and sisters who had transformed a family farm, its barns and outbuildings, into a memorial for those who fought, died and others who made it home. It was a personal tribute to people they had met and gotten to know during the war. We laughed and shared family stories and then, before we took the tour, they explained some of the background. Their farm had been used as an assembly area/rest and relaxation (R&R) spot for troops who were being given a break from combat before they would be sent forward for more action. They explained that they were teenagers and some of the "youngsters" as they referred to their baby siblings, were just children at the time. So we finished lunch, made a toast to those that had gone before and headed out of the farm house to the museum. During lunch, I sat next to one of the older siblings. A wonderful lady, with a great sense of humor. During the toast, I noticed her demeanor changed just a little bit. I thought it was the nostalgia of it all. She just patted my hand, smiled and simply said "a good life."

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #12

#13
Thank you Sara Jacobovici.

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #11

Joel Anderson speaks from the heart about his personal experience.

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #10

I read your story Joel Anderson and then the comments of your readers and your replies. I can only say that I, too, fit into this time frame with my story and that of my father. The photo for me reflects the movement of time captured within that moment; the movement and flow of the soldiers from where they came and towards where they are moving is a bridge between the beach and the elevated ground. I will conclude with your words Joel: "As I grew up there were other snap shots in my life that had profound effect, some obvious and known at the time and some unknown and not readily apparent at their particular moment. I am convinced that these experiences, past-present-and future, each that have occurred or will occur during their own season, their own time and their own place at a particular point along my journey have occurred for a reason."

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #9

#7
Thank you and despite our own individual steps, our own stories and our own personal journeys-we need to take the steps and make the moments in our lives with a sense of commitment and purpose to live well indeed. All the best on your journey and the steps you take to make a difference; one moment-one step-one person at a time.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #8

#6
Dean Owen it was profoundly moving indeed. At the time, I had command of the Marine Security Guards for Western European and Canada. There were other battlefields, other historic sites, places and people that were encountered during that tour. Each provided equally compelling and poignant moments in time. In the photo, I just found so much in what on the surface seems like a simple snap shot in time, merely capturing troops walking up a hill. The second individual in the photo was called out specifically by Melinda Hall who informed us that several weeks later, he was killed in action. There are so many stories that could unfold from that simple picture, but I found the fact that in its simplicity, where it captured him in mid stride an important reminder, that we just dont know what that next step will bring. But, in taking the steps in our lives, we not only remember the each step taken before, but know that we must keep moving forward taking the next steps in our journeys, despite the uncertainty before us. Know that I truly appreciate your nudging me forward. Thank you.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #7

#4
Thank you Randy Keho Keep making the most of each of your moments.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #6

#3
What a story Jim Lenihan. Thank you for sharing the story of your Uncle.

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #5

#2
Irene Hackett what a classic and fun song. I too remember my dad singing this when I was a kid and never thought during those times that I would often think back to this song at zero dark thirty throughout my career. :) Thanks for sharing.

Mohammed Abdul Jawad

7 years ago #4

Moments are precious jewels that bedeck our memories. And how little images like tokens of reminder take us into the past and enliven those bygone moments and express again in dearest terms. Memories full of prized moments are worthwhile for a jubilant living!

Dean Owen

7 years ago #3

This really is an important article. Thanks so much for sharing it here. Your marines must have been a mixed bag of emotions that day on the beaches of Normandy. Perhaps we should all make the trek there once in our lives...

Randy Keho

7 years ago #2

You've sparked so many thoughts that they've become jammed up in my mind that I can't grasp the right words and force them to my finger tips. let me suffice with Thank You. Joel Anderson

Joel Anderson

7 years ago #1

Again, thank you Lisa Gallagher All the best to you both with each and every moment along your journey!

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