Aurora Dickie and Norton Fantinel by Richard Calmes

Richard Calmes | all galleries >> Galleries >> VIETNAM WAR 1968-1969 > Aurora Dickie and Norton Fantinel

Aurora Dickie and Norton Fantinel

With this image I have come full circle in photography and in life.
It was in Vietnam that my love of photography was first sparked and that flame has burned for 54 years.
This image is my offering and tribute to my fellow soldiers who did not share those 54years of life on earth with me.

This beautiful dancer symbolizes all of those loved ones left behind
while her partner in the reflection reaching desperately for her represents all of those souls whose names are carved in the polished stone.

But for the grace of God my name would be there too.

other sizes: small medium large original auto

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Tarheel		16-Jul-2024 20:53
I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in '69 and immediately after that was in basic training (US Army) and soon off to Viet Nam. I was all over the country as I was in the first group of about 30 men, all with 4 yr degrees, trained in "Electronic Warfare". That was a fancy name for seismic and acoustic sensors that we deployed in enemy activity areas - thus a lot of "contact" with VC and NVA. I once went 36 days being hustled from unit to unit, always in the jungle, as we were in high demand. For that 36 day stretch I did not have a shower or hot meal! And too many new friends went home in a body bag. I don't have any PTSD, thank God. Your photos bring back a lot of memories. Many bad and some very good! Thank you!

Dennis Steinauer		26-Mar-2021 19:27
I've been to the Wall many times, often looking for old friends. As you say ... There but for the grace of God ...

buznsarah		20-Jun-2020 20:09
Remarkable picture - very moving.

Guest		20-Sep-2019 17:25
I've often wondered why my life was spared. In the whole scheme of things, I think there may be something important that I have yet to do. Then I wonder if my inner self is putting off that task just so I can spend a few more days on this planet. Guess that would make me a selfish SOB!

robere210		21-Mar-2019 08:19
For the Grace of God I'd be there too. Jimmy Bailey's on that wall... I rode to St. Joseph's grade school with him and his sister every day in the 1950's. I got drafted in Dec of '69. I was mostly pretty lucky.

Guest		17-Jan-2019 04:17
I have pictures of Danny Mabe in nam's

Michael J. Parkinson		15-Feb-2016 20:39
This image makes a fabulous statement with its implied message and technical excellence. Reading your text made my eyes moisten. Stay the course.

Regine L.		21-May-2015 18:05
This image is a memorable tribute to the fallen soldiers. One of my husband's friends name is also engraved on this wall and we visit it whenever we are in DC. Thank you for your posting.

MarcViskens		17-Nov-2014 10:56
very beautiful Richard

Ken		22-Oct-2014 17:18
Thanks, Brother. We were soldiers once. And young.

Alexander		02-Nov-2013 12:26
more strength to you. Take care now. Alex

Wayne Ozzie		01-Nov-2013 02:46
The reflection of life in the wall along with the beautiful Dancer and her arum lilies is truely one of the most poignent reminders of the Vietnam War CONGRATULATIONS WELL DONE!!!

N Edmonds		10-Oct-2013 14:24
Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures..

Reese McCormick		07-Sep-2013 21:44
Accolades Richard, my uncle Louis Jayme served. Never spoke of his experience. Me of Curious sort. Always have been mixed with emotions. Sorrow, gratefulness. Thank you for all who serve. I hope these yearning hearts connect. The GIs, the children looking for their fathers. And the women still waiting for their return...such sad love stories. Sincerely. Reese McCormick

Dougie Young		19-Jun-2013 18:50
A beautiful idea and photo to remember those who gave all Richard, thank you for your service also Vote

Pat		19-May-2013 21:10
Richard, you have realized with this marvelous picture a very beautiful, aristic and great tribute for the history of your country. All my congretaulations. V

steven cox		02-Feb-2013 16:53
my dad was there usmc douglas alton cox just wanted to say thank you for the images

Seeking English		24-Jul-2012 20:44
amazing tribute

Fay Stout		10-Jun-2012 17:04
A very powerful image and message. I lost friends in that war... V

Bryan Bockhop		22-May-2012 18:30
Richard, I just noticed this photograph for the first time. It took my breath away.

John McKay		04-Apr-2012 22:00
Perfect!

wfreiman		27-Mar-2012 09:04
Very Touching!

Rick Keating		21-Feb-2012 23:16
First, thank you for your service. Your photos are great and especially the last one at The Wall. Very creative, very touching.

Guest		06-Feb-2012 19:24
You took me back in time. I relived so many moments with your help. I've been to The Wall and made my peace, so your photos remind me of hard times but also good times when I stood side by side with my buddies with one goal - to go home safe and sane. Peace.

Guest		21-Nov-2011 22:41
This gallery is a masterpiece. Excellent work. BV

tom		13-Nov-2011 23:54
greatly done

Russel		05-Nov-2011 21:51
Thank you for posting this gallery. This final picture tells why so many of us carried RVN all alone for so long.

Guest		16-Oct-2011 11:41
This is absolutely wonderful.... great tribute. And as Barbara Read says, I am touched!!!

Lev		04-May-2011 18:29
Thanks Rich. a great tribute. wonderful work. Jim

John Klosterman		03-Feb-2011 15:18
Thank you very much for the reminders. Thank you for thanking God for your protection. John

Rick		29-Oct-2010 23:10
What a tribute. Awesome album. Thank you again for your service!!!!

DW Yacavone		28-Oct-2010 16:32
Brilliant! As one Veteran to another, our brothers on the Wall deserve it and are grateful. Welcome Home.

khaled_im		12-Sep-2010 00:27
stunningly eloquent & moving

Harry Hare		30-Aug-2010 13:34
Truely magnificent

Wendy O		27-May-2010 03:17
A beautiful and deep felt thought. Thanks for posting these pictures Richard.

Carol How		17-Apr-2010 18:25
Very wonderful tribute and perhaps those years have served their purpose to your heart of visions as a reminder of the fleeting life we have.

Guest		23-Mar-2010 16:47
Very well done. The ending so touching and well written. Welcome home all, job well done if you came back or not. Your parade will last forever. Richard Gebing MCB-4 1969

laine		23-Feb-2010 23:32
This is a wonderful tribute Richard to enhance the gallery's ending.

Richard Hewitt		21-Feb-2010 19:21
yes you have come full circle as we who came home. WE must always pay honor to those who's names are on this wall.I was there at its dedication and it was a great day.So many brothers ans sisters from the war finally got some recognition.We carry this war in OUR HEARTS FOREVER> GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

Guest		24-Nov-2009 08:47
A super photograph an even greater tribute to those soldiers and I really a appreicate seeing the making of this with the shot John made of you making this.http://www.pbase.com/fremiet/image/116742713 really super congratulations Kind regards Carl

Guest		12-Sep-2009 18:35
Bravo!

Guy Dube		11-Sep-2009 21:31
It is very nice what you wrote. An excellent tribute. The composition is very impressive! V

Cathy E		11-Sep-2009 18:47
Oh my goodness, Richard's comments made me cry. Excellent tribute. We are so blessed by your work! Thank you!

Guest		11-Sep-2009 07:16
One of the best in front of the wall.

L. Chho		11-Sep-2009 02:19
seems a while since I have seem such a powerful message so well conveyed through this medium. Beautifully done!

Robert D. McAlpine		10-Sep-2009 20:21
An inspired image!

Marcia Colelli		10-Sep-2009 02:50
beautiful work V

shatterbug		09-Sep-2009 08:15
Such a well constructed image, and a wonderful tribute!

Guest		09-Sep-2009 00:05
Very powerful imagery here Richard. The grace and softness represented by the female dancer here feels like watching a mother comfort a scared chid. The safety in that moment touches all who look upon it. Hard to verbalize all this image makes me feel. Fantastic stuff throughout.

Harry David Horning		08-Sep-2009 20:52
Very moving!

Robin Reid		07-Sep-2009 06:19
Wow .... powerful and moving!

Bryan Ramsay		07-Sep-2009 03:28
A truly inspirational shot Richard! Lest we forget all the trials and tribulations this country has seen to get where we are now! I've been waiting for your tribute To the Wall in ths series! Again Bravo!! -BJ

Guest		06-Sep-2009 07:49
How wonderful picture and the message. Very creative and beautifully touching.

Paco L�pez		06-Sep-2009 05:47
Marvelous... BV!!!

Raymond Ma		06-Sep-2009 05:07
Conceptually brilliant! V

AL SAMHA EAST - RAZA		06-Sep-2009 04:27
HATS OFF////VERY TOUCHING///V

bill friedlander		06-Sep-2009 01:55
A very moving tribute and a superb image. Chapeau. V

Patricia Kay		05-Sep-2009 20:46
Beautiful image and tribute Richard......really moving.....BV

Kees Terberg		05-Sep-2009 19:37
Delicate!!! Very impressive!

Joel Escala		05-Sep-2009 11:48
Excellent tribute Richard. Voted

Susanne v. Schroeder		05-Sep-2009 02:03
A beautiful, sensitive and moving message in this image. Very special!!

Steve Mockford		05-Sep-2009 00:51
This is wonderfully conceived and, as always, beautifully carried out Richard. It is a truly moving tribute. ~V~

Barbara Read and Fred Schaad		04-Sep-2009 20:40
A truly superb tribute to these fallen heroes. I am touched. V

Wolfgang Bluhm		04-Sep-2009 19:53
Brilliantly conceived and executed.

Tom Beech		04-Sep-2009 19:41
It works just as you thought it would Richard, well done

Joel Garcia		04-Sep-2009 19:38
This is really creative. Love the idea and the image.

Arjayphotography		04-Sep-2009 19:22
Richard, this is truly beautiful....knowing what you've seen and the thought that has gone behind this image......respect sir :-(

Naomi		04-Sep-2009 19:00
A lovely tribute, and very moving. V

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