I am very sad for the citizens of Ukraine. The Russian attack is unnecessary, unprovoked, and dangerous to Ukrainians and Russians. Unfortunately, Russian’s leader is just another evil dictator who doesn’t care.
Here are a few photos from my trip to Ukraine a few years ago. I’ll post more from this trip over the next few days.
World War II Memorial park with Kyiv in the background
World War II monument
Church in Kyiv
This is the spectacular East Gate for the city of Regensburg Germany. Today is serves more as a historical landmark and a reminder of great architecture from many years gone by.
To view a larger version, click HERE
This sculpture in Kiev is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War. This photo doesn’t do the sculpture justice….it is very big, very big. This stainless steel statue is over 203 feet tall and weighs 560 tons. The sword is 52 feet long and the shield is 43 feet long/26 feet wide. The Soviets build this to impress.
To view a larger version, click HERE
This massive statue sits on top of the National Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945)…we know it as World War II. This stainless-steel statue is 203 feet tall. Counting the museum building it sit on, the entire structure is 335 feet tall and it weighs 560 tons. The sword in her right hand is 52 feet long by itself and weighs 9 tons. That’s a huge statue by any comparison!! The State Emblem of the Soviet Union is on the shield. Even though this war ended in 1945, they didn’t start the construction of this statue until 1979 and it was completed in 1981.
In Kiev, Ukraine where this is located, the statue is controversial due to Ukraine’s complicated and currently rough relationship with Russia. Blair and I spent a few hours walking around this national park photographing the war monuments, tanks, etc…. If you’re wondering, the blue and yellow tank in the foreground is painted the Ukrainian colors.
To view a larger version, click HERE
This monument needs no introduction. MJ and I recently visited Arlington National Cemetery and this spot. The weather (heat) was extremely hot, but we had a great day regardless.
To view a larger version, click HERE
Don’t forget to check out my photo galleries. I update and add to them often.
I realize this isn’t a technically perfect photograph. The “Pure-ist” would rip this photo apart and tell me all the problems with it. But I don’t care. There is something about this photo that just makes me happy. I think it reminds me of the actual experience of standing there in Muir Woods National Park looking up at these huge, majestic trees. It was so peaceful with the sun shining through…… Or maybe I’ve just been working too hard and my mind has turned to jello. Regardless, I like it.
