tribute to fallen
May
26
2023
John Darkow draws a straightforward scene for Memorial Day: a gravestone labeled 'FALLEN' with a cross on top, a tiny American flag planted at its base, and a yellow dog curled up nearby on the grass, eyes closed in what looks like quiet rest. Trees frame the image, adding a peaceful outdoor setting. The tags thanks, sacrifice, Memorial Day, loyalty, remembering, honor, fallen, tribute, puppy dog, and decoration day all fit this simple tribute. No big metaphors here, just a dog and a stone reminding folks of those who didn't come back. Cartoonists know these quiet ones hit hard, especially around holidays when editors want something poignant without the punchline. Darkow keeps it clean, no clutter, letting the image speak to loyalty and loss.
May
23
2023
Dave Granlund's cartoon shows Uncle Sam in a cemetery, head bowed, hand over heart, holding his star-spangled hat while standing before a simple gravestone adorned with a USA emblem and a tiny American flag. Dog tags dangle from his jacket, adding a touch of personal loss to the tribute. This straightforward memorial day visitor piece captures the essence of salute and honor without overdoing the drama. The fallen are remembered through this quiet sacrifice scene, a classic take on national gratitude that newspapers love for its straightforward patriotism.
May
9
2022
Guy Parsons' cartoon features bold 'Never Forget' text dominating the scene, set against a backdrop of crumbling buildings and overgrown grass. A military helmet rests on a simple cross, symbolizing fallen troops and veteran sacrifice. The patriot theme resonates with freedom and war remembrance, making it a fitting Memorial Day piece. The ruined landscape adds a layer of somber reality to the military tribute, urging viewers to honor those who fought. Tags like trnd, patriot, military, veteran, troops, freedom, war highlight its timely appeal in discussions of national holidays and remembrance.
May
29
2021
Cartoons like this one from John Darkow hit the mark on Memorial Day themes, showing a uniformed man kneeling in grass under a tree, touching a stone marked 'FALLEN' with a cross and an American flag attached. The inscription quotes Harry S. Truman on the unrepayable debt to heroic men and valiant women in service, capturing sacrifice, duty, honoring, remembrance, and mourning. It's a straightforward nod to those in the military who gave everything, without any bells or whistles—just the quiet reality of loss. Tags like trnd fit because these images circulate widely around holidays, reminding folks of the cost behind the barbecues. In the syndication game, pieces evoking pure patriotism without controversy spread easily, blending respect with a touch of solemn humor in the exaggerated features.
May
23
2019
Dave Granlund's cartoon depicts a solemn row of empty military boots planted on grassy ground, interspersed with tiny American flags waving gently. It's a straightforward nod to Memorial Day, focusing on the sacrifice of fallen soldiers without any bells or whistles. The tags like tribute, remember, and never forget fit perfectly, capturing the essence of honoring the dead from combat and war in the USA. No hidden messages here; it's all about that quiet respect for those killed in action. Granlund keeps it simple, letting the vacant boots speak volumes about loss and remembrance.
