Inspiring Photo: NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARCH #11107635

NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARCH

Uploaded: November 15, 2010 01:24:17

Description

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Nature's Confetti!
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At Valley Forge National Historic Park, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
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Though we have lived less than an hour from Valley Forge for 22 years, and have passed by its entrance SO MANY times, yesterday was the first time that I entered through the park's gates and walked the six-mile trail around the encampment.
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As I stood gazing at the arch, a breeze that I could not feel agitated the stately oak to the left, and its leaves began to fill the air.
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The inscription on this side of the arch reads: TO THE OFFICERS AND PRIVATE SOLDIERS OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY DECEMBER 19, 1777 JUNE 19, 1778
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Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/1600 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 23.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D

Comments

Michelle Alton November 15, 2010

The Arch is a simplified version of the Triumphal Arch of Titus in Rome (A.D. 81) which marked the capture of Jerusalem by Emperor Titus in A.D. 70.
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This memorial arch with its single opening is classically proper as a national tribute to General Washington and the army he led.
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The inscription on the other side of the Arch reads: NAKED AND STARVING AS THEY ARE - WE CANNOT ENOUGH ADMIRE THE INCOMPARABLE PATIENCE AND FIDELITY OF THE SOLDIERY - Washington at Valley Forge February 16, 1776

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#1327120

Barbara Waldoch November 15, 2010

Love your pov and the leaves, Michelle! #9034584

Beverley Scott November 15, 2010

This image really captures the changing seasons! Well done, Michelle! #9034607

Douglas Pignet November 15, 2010

Lovely capture Michelle #9034621

Jack Gaskin November 15, 2010

FANTASTIC CAPTURE Dead leaves blowing past this tribute to those who made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
should make everyone stop and remember!!!!!

HOPE I SEE THIS AGAIN !!!!!

Jack #9034650

Leland N. Saunders November 15, 2010

I didn't know about this monument ... thanks for sharing it !! #9034682

Michelle Alton November 15, 2010

The other side of the monument. #9034684

Jeff Robinson November 15, 2010

The tones and especially the blowing leaves makes this one Very Impressive capture! Great job Michelle! Jeff #9034774

Ron McEwan November 15, 2010

Michelle luck and opportunity must follow you where ever you go, to get those leaves at the moment of flight is awesome. Like the info too. #9034830

MELODIE C. ROBERTS November 15, 2010

How often do we pass by things in our own backyard only to travel hundreds of miles for the perfect image!

You stopped and captured a sensational one here Mickey!

Love the Floating Leaves
Spirits Rising?

#9034877

R. J. Laudenbacher November 15, 2010

What a moment you have caught here Michelle. I love the leaves blowing through the shot. #9034900

Linda D. Lester November 15, 2010

Awesome capture with the leaves! #9035031

John Rivera November 15, 2010

Great comp and capture Michelle!
Love the leaves! #9035094

Margaret R. Barry November 15, 2010

Great composition, detail and timing, Michelle! #9035097

Jack Ryan November 15, 2010

Excellent comp, color and clarity in this well timed image. Very well done. #9035205

Murry Grigsby November 15, 2010

The swirling leaves really make this image for me Michelle -- great timing! I always enjoy your back stories and historical notes!! Have you ever thought about doing a photo book? #9035206

Linda A. Braddock November 15, 2010

Michelle, Awesome Capture, as everybody has said, I also love how you captured the blowing leaves. Well Done!! #9035390

Monnie Ryan November 15, 2010

Those swirling leaves really make this one pop, Michelle -- fantastic capture! #9035422

Rony Sagy November 15, 2010

Wonderful capture, Michelle. #9035705

Mike Clime November 15, 2010

Excellent capture and those blowing leaves really make it, Michelle! #9035786

John Connolly November 15, 2010

A wonderfully timed capture Michelle, and thanks for the story and all the history! #9035844

Karen Engelbreth November 15, 2010

Great timing - wonderful capture, Michelle... #9037717

Renee Doyle November 15, 2010

It's always the same when you live somewhere - you are always the last to visit!!! Wonderful comp and capture Michelle and the movement of the leaves the perfect touch! #9038125

David Phalen November 15, 2010

Fantabulous POV, light, and details!! The blowing leaves make this image special!! #9039348

Stan J. Bendkowski November 15, 2010

Wonderful composition, timing and light, Michelle! #9040235

Dick W. Wyatt November 16, 2010

This is so beautiful. Great time to be there. #9040285

Kay Beausoleil November 16, 2010

The swirling leaves make this lovely image so different and really set a mood. Great work, Michelle. #9041286

Sue Marshall November 16, 2010

Love it!! :-) #9041383

Laura E. Swan November 16, 2010

I love how we can all come to visit your work and leave a more educated people. :) Thank you for the history lesson here.

Wonderful images. Both of them and those leaves blowing??? Dream shot! :) WOW!

Great job, Michelle!

-Laura #9041941

Dick Jenkins November 16, 2010

I like the photograph almost as much as I like the title, "Nature's Confetti". Very nicely done Michelle. #9042951

Dick Jenkins November 16, 2010

Let me reword my previous comment. I like the title almost as much as I like the photograph. Please excuse my senior moment Michelle. #9042957

Rona L. Schwarz November 16, 2010

Spectacular capture, Michelle! It's a great POV and terrific composition, by itself, but the addition of the swirling leaves really enhances the atmosphere and accentuates the emotional moment. Special! And, as always, thanks for the history lesson. #9043573

Robert K. Bemus November 16, 2010

Got to agree with everyone else...great shot in itself but the blowing leaves just take it way over the top... #9043911

Renata Gusciora November 17, 2010

Oh wow!This is stunning,Michelle!Incredible capture,I love the leaves flying in the air!Very beautiful with fabulous feel to it! #9044256

Joannie Bertucci November 19, 2010

Michelle, you have to be one of the most poetic photographers whose work I've ever seen!
A breath-taking moment! #9050519

Barbara Mason November 20, 2010

I agree with all of the above comments Michelle a super image - what great timing capturing the dancing leaves like that !!! #9053763

Dave Bell November 24, 2010

Lovely clarity and the leaves blowing around catch the eye firstly and then you see the couple standing at the arch, which is a secondry focus point for me, great. #9061816

Stan Kwasniowski November 26, 2010

Michelle, beautiful #9064243

David Van Camp December 09, 2010

Renata had to show this to me back when you posted... with the leaves flying around this is SPECTACULAR!!!! A winner for sure!! VERY nice, Michelle!!!! #9090123

Dave Bell December 13, 2010

well done Michelle for your finalist! #9096916

Bojan Bencic December 13, 2010

Congratulations on your finalist, Michelle. #9097284

Phyllis H. Burchett December 13, 2010

Yes, spectacular! Congrats Michelle! #9097379

Jeffrey R. Bange December 13, 2010

Congratulations Michelle on your finalist and best of luck in the next round. #9097408

Lester A. Garcia December 13, 2010

Beautiful finalist, Michelle. CONGRATULATIONS! #9097431

Renee Doyle December 13, 2010

Awesome!! SO happy to see this beauty again!! Congratulations Michelle! #9097467

Marilyn Cornwell December 13, 2010

A gorgeous image, Michelle! Congratulations on such a beautiful Finalist! #9097591

Marijana Fajgl December 13, 2010

Big congratulations on your fantastic finalist, Michelle! #9097599

Rona L. Schwarz December 13, 2010

Such a marvelous capture, Michelle! Hope to see it again. CONGRATULATIONS on your outstanding Finalist, and good luck in the next round! #9097916

Tammy M. Anderson December 13, 2010

Congrats on your fabulous finalist, Michelle. #9097920

Carol L. Fowler December 13, 2010

Beautiful Finalist! #9098129

Kim Andelkovic December 13, 2010

Stunning finalist Michelle, congratulations and always love to read your descriptions....Thankyou :-) #9098166

Dick Jenkins December 13, 2010

Congratulations Michelle, excellent work. #9098191

Tammy Espino December 13, 2010

Congrats on your finalist!!! :) #9098304

Randy A. Myers December 13, 2010

Congratulations on your finalist, Michelle. #9098350

Jim Baines December 13, 2010

Just look at it this way: It took 22 years to get the timing down perfectly and then you made it all happen! Congratulations on such a unique and eye-jolting FINALIST, Michelle!! #9098473

Patti Coblentz December 13, 2010

Look at those flying leaves...amazing capture, Michelle! Congratulations on your finalist! #9098779

December 13, 2010

Great moment -- the falling leaves really make this image! #9098782

Michelle Alton December 13, 2010

Thanks to you, Judges! I liked quite a few of my November entries--but none as much as this one, and I'm thrilled to see it with its Silver Badge. #9098796

Gerri R. Jones December 13, 2010

Most certainly a special capture of not only the monument, but those leaves cascading across the sky...really adds a special touch and moment in time...congratulations Michele on your finalist selection! #9098968

Terry Cervi December 13, 2010

This is a beauty, Michelle! Congrats on your well deserved finalist! #9099013

Graeme yew Chow December 13, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS ! great perpective , Michelle. #9099080

Deborah Lewinson December 13, 2010

Congratulatios, Michelle, on your finalist for this marvelous image!

Debby #9099132

Ken Smith December 13, 2010

Outstanding, Michelle. Awesome!! #9099169

Lynn Sapadin December 13, 2010

Congratulations Michelle - this such a great capture

Lynn #9099204

Linda A. Braddock December 13, 2010

Michelle, Congratulations on this beautiful Finalist!! #9099798

Ian M. Hill December 13, 2010

Stunning Michelle,and congratulations on your finalist! #9099922

Denis Bennett December 14, 2010

Coool, worthy finalist #9100897

Beverley Scott December 14, 2010

Congratulations on this great finalist, Michelle!!! #9100940

Brett Dolsen December 14, 2010

Congratulations on your wonderfull finalist Michelle! #9101062

Nancyj E. Hovey December 14, 2010

This image should be in a museum of photography of historic places! outstanding Michelle! 8o)

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
on your very deserving FINALIST! 8o) #9101157

Stan J. Bendkowski December 14, 2010

Fantastic Finalist, Michelle! Big Congratulations. #9101923

Ujjwal Mukherjee December 14, 2010

FABULOUS image and finalist,Michelle!! Congratulations!! #9102072

Ann Coates December 14, 2010

Congratulations Michelle, this is fantastic. #9102428

Kerry Hill December 14, 2010

Congratulations on your awesome finalist Michelle!! #9102627

Lydia Williams December 14, 2010

Wow, awesome finalist, Michelle...Congratulations! #9102670

Nancy L. Green December 14, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS Michelle on this AWESOME and well deserved finalist, WTG!!! <>< #9102796

Charles C. Berkeley December 14, 2010

Congratulations on your Finalist. It has a wonderful sense of moment. #9103257

Tamara K. Walker December 14, 2010

Very cool congratulations! #9103378

ALLEN O. HOWARD December 14, 2010

One word Michelle-WOW!!! Congratulations! #9103607

Carol Eade December 14, 2010

Fantastic capture, Michelle, congratulations! #9103741

Patrick Rouzes December 14, 2010

Hey, Michelle, BIG CONGRATULATIONS! WTG! #9103986

Ellen Hodges December 14, 2010

Huge congrats on this fabulous finalist, Michelle! Very best luck!!! #9104013

Marilyn K. Lincecum December 14, 2010

Beautiful in every way. Congratulations on a well deserved finalist and good luck in the next round. #9104190

Dick W. Wyatt December 15, 2010

No surprise here, Congratulations, I love it !! #9104389

Carla Capra Anderson December 15, 2010

Congrats on your 2nd Place Winning Image.
;) CC #9105167

Jennifer L. Alder December 15, 2010

Yay! Big congrats today, Michelle, on this awesome winner. :) #9105222

Kathy Cline December 15, 2010

Merry Christmas Michelle and a BIG congratulations on your winning image!

glitter-graphics.com #9105349

Patti Coblentz December 15, 2010

Congratulations on your amazing winner, Michelle! #9105356

Monnie Ryan December 15, 2010

Congratulations on a well-deserved win, Michelle! #9105446

Bojan Bencic December 15, 2010

Congratulations, Michelle! #9105493

Terry Cervi December 15, 2010

Congrats on your well deserved win, Michelle! #9105537

Debra R. Harder December 15, 2010

Huge congratulations, Michelle, on your OUTSTANDING GOLD WINNER!! This is FABULOUS!! Deb #9105582

Jack Ryan December 15, 2010

Congratulations, Michelle..a very deserving winner. #9105669

Rona L. Schwarz December 15, 2010

I get up late...so I'm always late with my comments...but I had a sneaking suspicion we would see this again! One of my favorites of yours and a very special image, Michelle! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your outstanding Gold Winner! #9105693

Tiia Vissak December 15, 2010

Congratulations! #9105708

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton December 15, 2010

What a beautiful shot... Congratulations on your Winner, Michelle!! #9105797

Joannie Bertucci December 15, 2010

Congratulations on your exceptional win Michelle! #9105798

Rony Sagy December 15, 2010

Huge congratulations on this wonderful winner, Michelle. #9105826

Marcel J. Fernandez December 15, 2010

Congratulations, Michelle on your outstanding Winning Image!!! #9105836

Linda D. Lester December 15, 2010

What a beauty....Congratulations!!! #9105920

Stefania Barbier December 15, 2010

fantastic win, congratulations!!! #9106007

Anita Hogue December 15, 2010

WOW, this is fantastic, Michelle!
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!!! #9106188

Kim Andelkovic December 15, 2010

Congratulations Michelle on this stunning image :-) #9106197

Mariann Kovats December 15, 2010

Congratulation on your beautiful Win Michelle! #9106199

Nancy (Peaches) Harker December 15, 2010

WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HUGE CONGRATS on your awesome win!

Photobucket

#9106350

Jessica Jenney December 15, 2010

Congratulations, Michelle on your gorgeous win! #9106353

Mike Clime December 15, 2010

WOOHOO! A big congratulations to you, Michelle! #9106356

Michelle Alton December 15, 2010

Thanks so much to everyone for the huge compliments. I really loved this shot, even before I snapped the shutter. It was such an emotional feeling to be standing there, thinking about the soldiers that were encamped there almost 250 years ago and their winter hardships, and suddenly the Oak gave up all its leaves to an imperceptible breeze. Wow! I'm thrilled that it made a gold badge!
~Michelle #9106377

JO ANN CLEVELAND December 15, 2010

Big congratulations on your 2nd Place winner....beautifully done I LOVED this Michele!

jo ann c. #9106401

Marilyn K. Lincecum December 15, 2010

Congratulations Michelle on getting the gold...It is really beautiful. #9106429

Phyllis H. Burchett December 15, 2010

Big congratulations to you Michelle on this fabulous winner!!! #9106433

Tammy Espino December 15, 2010

Big congrats on your win :) #9106545

Val Feldman December 15, 2010

Hear, hear! SO well-deserved! After reading your comment above, I'd like to think each drifting leaf was a Revolutionary soldier's soul thanking you for your moment of tribute to them and their hardships....Huge congratulations, Michelle, on this magnificent Gold Winner! #9106567

Kirsten Kiki Kjaer December 15, 2010

An AWESOME image, Michelle. Congratulations on a well deserved win. Big WOW!!! #9106568

Deborah Lewinson December 15, 2010

Congrats, Michelle, on this wonderful winner! #9106600

Michelle Alton December 15, 2010

Valarie, you've found the perfect words to convey the feeling I had as the whole event went up and down. I am keeping that description! Thanks so much. #9106670

Renee Doyle December 15, 2010

Spectacular moment - spectacular capture and a most deserving winner!!!! BIG congratulations to you Michelle!! #9106783

Jeana Clark December 15, 2010

A Fantastic and Well Deserved WIN!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE!!!!!
~J~ #9106789

Kate Jackson December 15, 2010
What a wonderful moment you have captured Michelle! Many congratulations! #9106885

Merna L. Nobile December 15, 2010
It is my honor to congratulate and celebrate your award for November, 2010. Merna #9106923

Karen Slagle December 15, 2010
Wow, Michelle. What a fabulous winning image and the story you told just gives me chills. The old soldiers were certainly with you on this day. Huge congrats to you... #9107078

Agnes Fegan December 15, 2010
Congratulations Michelle on this beautiful winning image and winning descriptions as well!!! #9107133

Jim Baines December 15, 2010
A hearty congratulations straight from the Heart o' Texas!! I'm firin' up the candles 'n breakin' out the Armadillo Punch right now!!!! #9107138

Lydia Williams December 15, 2010
Congratulations on your gold, Michelle! #9107259

Robert K. Bemus December 15, 2010
Glad to see this phenomenal capture in the Winner's pyramid...congratulations, Michelle!!! #9107315

Claudia Kuhn December 15, 2010
Wonderfully composed, congratulations Michelle! #9107354

Gina Cormier December 15, 2010
Congrats on this awesome winner!!!!!! #9107364

Sandra Anderson December 15, 2010
Outstanding image Michelle.
Congratulations on your win.
Cheers
Sandy #9107384

Randy D. Dinkins December 15, 2010
Big congrats Michelle, great job! #9107432

Nadia Paul December 15, 2010
Wonderful image Michelle - congrats on your win! #9107469

Sam Britt December 15, 2010
Big Congrats on this second place winner, Michelle! #9107595

Carol Eade December 15, 2010
Congratulations, Michelle! #9107610

Patrick Rouzes December 15, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS on this incredible Winner, Michelle! WTG! #9107660

ALLEN O. HOWARD December 15, 2010
This had winner all over it Michelle! Congratulations! #9107746

Lisa J. Boulden December 15, 2010
An amazing winner!!!
Congratulations, Michelle!
~♥~Lisa #9107883

Craig D. Minton December 15, 2010
A great winner, Michelle! #9108037

Aimee S. McMaster December 16, 2010
...congratulations on this most amazing winner Michelle...beautiful! #9108268

Ujjwal Mukherjee December 16, 2010
Glad to see it on the Winners page,Michelle!! Congratulations on a very well deserved win!! #9108287

Alan L. Borror December 16, 2010
Congratulations on a wonderful winner, Michelle! #9108319

Richard B. Hallick December 16, 2010
Congratulations. Beautiful image. #9108476

R. J. Laudenbacher December 16, 2010
WTG Michelle. Congratulations on your wonderful second place winner. #9108484

Nancyj E. Hovey December 16, 2010
#9108606

Mary Beth Aiello December 16, 2010
This is just spectacular, Michelle. Huge congrats on this magnificient Gold. #9108872

Karen Celella December 16, 2010
Congratulations on your wonderful winner, Michelle! Your story provides an emotional connection. #9108921

Usman M. Bajwa December 16, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS on your terrific Second place GOLD, Michelle. WTG!
UB. #9109010

Jeffrey R. Bange December 16, 2010
Congratulations Michelle on a well deserved win, what a nice way to finish out the year. #9109272

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna December 16, 2010
CONGRATULATIONS on this fantastic win, Michelle! :-) k #9109458

Cindy Bendush December 16, 2010
Beautiful autumn mood! Big congrats on your outstanding second place win Michelle! #9109676

Maria Morrow December 16, 2010
Congratulations on this awesome winner Michelle! #9109694

Ken Smith December 16, 2010
Way to go, Michelle! Congrats!! #9109819

Renata Gusciora December 16, 2010
Big congratulations on your outstanding winner,Michelle!!!:-) #9110265

Irene Colling December 16, 2010
The blowing leaves are showering confetti on you in celebration of your winning photo.
Congratulations Michelle. #9110325

Brett Dolsen December 17, 2010
Yahhh Michelle!!Wonderfull result and congratulations. #9110502

Amanda J. Tanner December 17, 2010
Congratulations Michelle!
So Beautiful! #9112040

Lester A. Garcia December 17, 2010
Michelle,
Whether it be the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Siegestor in Munich and the Wellington Arch in London, nothing comes close to how beautiful your rendition of this Triumphal Arch is.
A truly deserving winner for its dynamism, sense of movement and flow even if its only an image of an edifice. Captured at the exact moment to show its grandeur and magnificence. Beautifully done and created, this merits the accolade it deserves.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Lester #9112396

Datha Y. Thompson December 18, 2010
WOW!! OUTSTANDING Michelle!! LOVE it
CONGRATULATIONS :) #9112451

Gerri R. Jones December 20, 2010
Finally getting back to congratulate you on this most well deserved winner, Michelle...it is one of those images that you remember! #9116741

Donna La Mattino Pagakis December 21, 2010
Congratulations on your win Michelle, absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! #9118062

Maria Coulson December 26, 2010
Michelle, what a great capture. Congratulations. I am sure you will go back to this park. #9125509

Brad Harding January 10, 2011
Congrats on this wonderful shot on the National Memorial Arch. Was there several years ago and enjoyed all the history. #9154492

Denis Bennett January 14, 2011
Great image #9161894

Raymond Pauly January 20, 2011
I had missed this beautiful Winner here, Michelle! Wonderful capture. Big congratulations! #9180287

Val Feldman February 23, 2011
This came up on the BP home page and I had to comment again...it still gives me shivers, Michelle...what a wonderful capture! #9257736

Daniella Puente March 23, 2016
This is awesome Michelle! Love it. #11450646

Lydia Williams March 23, 2016
Wow, fascinating image, Congratulations on your All Time Editor's Pick! #11450713

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