IT’S ONE OF THOSE SWEET MOMENTS which, as a photographer, you hope to capture.
Sunday afternoon, standing outside American Legion Post 43 in Faribault, at the once-a-month event to change out the Post’s American flag, honor a local military family and remember the American service members who have lost their lives in the past 30 days, I caught that moment.
Carter Quinlan, 4 ½, of Faribault, had just accepted the Post’s retired U.S. flag in honor of his father, Derek, a member of the Air Force Reserves; his uncle, Travis Quinlan, with the Minnesota National Guard; and his grandfather, Mark Quinlan, who served with the U.S. Navy and Air Force, when I snapped this photo:
The look of awe and respect on Carter’s face is one we should all emulate. To show this level of respect for those who serve and for the American flag at such a young age is remarkable. Truly remarkable.
You can see the delight in Legion Post Commander Kirk Mansfield’s face. Carter did this Gulf War veteran proud, as he did all of us who appreciate our veterans and value our freedom.
FYI: Please watch for more photos from this event and from the dedication of a private veterans’ memorial along Roberds Lake, rural Faribault.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Beautiful and heart-warming. Moments like this are truly special!
Yes, and I will have additional heart-warming pix to show you.
So glad to see such events documented so beautifully. My thanks to you! Hugs…….
More photos will be forthcoming.
Will be watching……….
Just published a post on the FrontLine Honors Ceremony. Working on the memorial dedication post next.
The expression on his face says so many things as does the entire photograph. Wonderful capture.
That means a lot coming from you, Dan. Readers, check out Dan’s photos at outdoorguyphotography.com. He’s an extremely gifted photographer.
What a simply wonderful picture! I love it, Audrey and hope that it gets passed along and credit given (and money 🙂 ) to you. It is a moment in time that you captured with your lens so beautifully. I love it and I love the sentiments that you wrote also.
Thank you, Beth Ann. I was thrilled to see that I had captured this precious moment. I’m working right now on processing more images from that ceremony at Faribault American Legion Post 43. I promise more emotional photos that emphasize honor, respect, patriotism and more. Thank you to all who organized this event and the memorial dedication which followed at Roberds Lake. I will be posting about that dedication, too.
Awesome capture Audrey, Carter seems well beyond his years in understanding the significance of this moment!
You are right on that, Jackie. I could not believe Carter’s poise and respect and, seemingly, understanding.