With Honor

Kanoa M.

Digital Photography, Fuji Film X100VI

• Artist Statement

  Scouting America, chartered by Congress, is one of the only organizations with an official code for flag retirement. It establishes that, “When the national flag is worn beyond repair, burn it thoroughly and completely on a modest, but blazing, fire. This should be done in a simple manner with dignity and respect.” In the Bay Area, fire risk often prevents campfires, making the opportunity to retire US flags special. This fall, I had the chance to build a retirement fire. There was a palpable sense of awe and respect from the scouts watching a sight that is so rarely witnessed. I created this image by layering three images in Photoshop. The flag is “the symbol of America, it stands for the past, present, and future of our country. It represents our people, our land, and our many ways of life,” and it was my privilege to retire it with honor.

• Creative Statement

  Creativity is the expression of your thoughts and ideas in sometimes unconventional ways. It’s what allows us to see the world, solve problems, and perceive beauty differently. Creativity is when I find or see a moment that I know I can turn into a meaningful photograph.