120404-F-CJ989-010

by SSgt Kenneth Holston

120404-F-CJ989-010

The United States flag is stretched out in preparation to be folded during a retreat ceremony performed by the Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard, May 4, 2012, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Shaw's Honor Guard conducted the retreat ceremony at the end of the first day of Shaw's Air Expo. More than 80 Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, including the 20th FW Commander Col. Clay Hall, stood in formation for the retreat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston)(Released)

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Photographer's Narrative

 

As I pointed my lens in the direction of the Airmen performing a retreat ceremony, two words just kept jumping out at me, sacrifice and commitment. As I set up for this shot, I chose to have the U.S. flag in focus while the depth of field of the image allowed the honor guard Airman behind the flag to become soft outline. I felt that it was a true representation of what Airmen do each day. They put the U.S. and the needs of the county before themselves while standing tall and strong in the background, committed and ready to sacrifice everything while seeking no recognition.