Recently I was hired to photography a commercial property in Virginia, just across the border with Washington DC. The crew flew into Regan Airport (DCA) and the landing approach took us over the national mall area with a clear view of the Washington Monument. Even through I spent about 6 months on duty at the White House in the early ‘90s, the poor choices of my youth prevented me from enjoying the area’s history, buildings and the experience of being in the nation’s capitol. During this trip, I would take advantage of any free time to explore what DC has to offer.

The crew knew that the White House was going to be top of the short list to visit. What happen after our arrival was nothing short of overwhelming, leaving us humble, grateful and inspired.

Shortly after taking some images in from the White House, mainly of tourists getting selfies in front of the extended fence area creating a “no man” buffer zone, the sounds of loud drums and crowds approaching our position. As the sound became louder, we were sure a protest march was coming to us standing in front of the White House. I rushed towards the noise to find a small group of demonstrators walking and chanting with banners to stop the atrocities in Bangladesh. I don’t watch the news often and mainly just my local news in Oklahoma. I sure be more aware but the news media sources are so negative, it’s hard to start the day informed and positive.

As quickly as the small group was in place, another group could be heard in the distant heading to join. Within a span of 30 minutes, the area was filled with several Hindu support groups with banners, drums, loud speakers and chants - all screaming their message towards the leader of the free world demanding action. As quickly as the group gathered and increased in numbers, my photojournalist training and instinct kicked into overdrive. This must be documented even if just for me. I would later reach out to one of their members that seemed in charge to share my captures in hope to assist the group in gaining visibility in the media market.

After the event, I was left overwhelmed with the freedom of our nation to allow it’s citizens peaceful protests and demonstrations in front of possibility the most powerful leaders of the world. I served 20 years in the USAF and while I didn’t join the military out of a sense of service to my country, I did discover my unique patriotism and love for the freedom of choices of this great nation. I may not agree with what you say but I will fight for your right to say it. Everyone’s opinion is valuable and everyone should have an opportunity to speak.

If you want to know more about the issues faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, here are a few links that were passed along to help clarify the message from the group.

India’s Treatment of Muslins Erodes It’s Moral High Ground - New York Times
Bangladesh Strengthens Security as Violence Targets Hindu Festival - New York Times

Bangladesh: Deadly Attacks on Hindu Festival - Human Rights Watch

Seven dead after violence erupts during Hindu festival in Bangladesh - The Guardian