Vigil - Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination 2011

Thank you, Barbie, for this feature in the 200 Club. Visiting and photographing Civil War battlefield sites means all the more to me now with a son serving in the U.S. Army. Courage and sacrifice remains the same across the ages. - Mike

The annual display of 23,400 luminaries on the Battlefield is an overwhelming tribute to what went on here. Thank you for your kind support, Fei. - Mike

Thanks, Emmy. Of all the Civil War battlefields that I've been privileged to visit and photograph, Antietam is my favorite. Hope you have an enjoyable visit in the spring. - Mike

Thank you, Bill. It is a wow place each and every time I tell someone about or show something from this event. - Mike

Thanks, Beverly. It is one of my favorite events to photograph and I consider it a privilege to be able to do so. - Mike

The night skyglow added so much to this shot and depending on the atmospheric conditions it can be very different each year. Thanks, Mike. - Mike

Agreed, Ginny, very thought provoking....and has even more meaning now with a son serving in the military. Thank you. - Mike

Thank you, Patricia. It is a privilege to be a part of this event each year. - Mike

Thank you, Fei. I'm very glad that you liked this image. - Mike

My hope is that many more folks would be able to witness this event some day. It is something to experience and not soon forgotten. Thanks, Ram. - Mike

Thank you, Debra. This is an impressive and emotional annual event to witness. - Mike

I agree with you, Dee. It is a dark image in many respects considerng what went on here more than 150 years ago. I am drawn to return to these places to remember those who have and continue to serve. I'm glad to hear that it had an emotional link for you. - Mike

It is an incredibly moving event to witness and an equally great privilege to be allowed to photograph it. Thank you, Eliza. - Mike

Thanks, Jeffrey. It's an incredible sight to see. Hope you get the opportunity to do so someday. You won't regret it! - Mike

Thank you, Chelsea. I count it a privilege to live so close to Antietam and be able to bring these images to others. - Mike

Thank you, Emmy, for your kind encouragement. - Mike