I am not entirely sure that there are not some photos circulating the universe that will definitely ruin my chances at ever being a politician in the future. But to be clear, I am thankful every day that social media and cellphones did not exist during my days on the high seas and that is all I will say about that.
Nostalgia is a curious emotion, weaving through the fabric of our memories, tugging gently at the threads of my past. It’s a bittersweet longing for moments of the past, a yearning to relive moments of my life that have quietly slipped away. Amidst nostalgic reverie, there’s a particular pang that often strikes—the realization that we should have taken more pictures.
I was just sharing some old photos from my deployments with a dear shipmate and we could not agree more, there should have been more pictures. At the time though, cameras were not allowed, both in the military spaces that we frequented nor while in uniform, not to mention, it just wasn’t plain cool, especially while operating at the business end of things.
In the digital age, where smartphones are ubiquitous extensions of our beings, capturing moments has become almost second nature, specially for me, a true photog at heart. In fact, I am sure I am pushing 11,000 photos on my own smartphone right now. Despite how easy it is to just snap a photo nowadays, there are still countless instances where I find myself disappointed about the scarcity of tangible memories. It’s in those moments of reflection that the weight of my oversight settles in, a gentle but persistent ache in my heart.
I have my memories though, revisiting cherished moments like scenes from a beloved film. There’s are the spontaneous trips to Tijuana with fellow crewmembers, the lazy summer afternoons spent lounging on Coronado or last-minute scuba diving excursions in Hanama Bay and in La Jolla, the impromptu dance parties in the barracks and in the ship’s berthing. Each memory is vivid, almost tangible in its clarity, yet tinged with a sense of regret for not having immortalized it in a photograph.
As I navigate my own nostalgia, grappling with the realization that I should have taken more pictures, let me also cherish the great memories of all of the best times and all of the best people during my Navy service. As the years pass, the edges of my recollections are blurring, leaving behind only snippets of the times that I hold dear. Memories have a funny way, sometimes.
Upcoming events
Monday, April 1—Dress For Success clothing drive for veterans with Senator Steve Rhoads (www.rhoads.nysenate.gov for details)
Saturday, April 6—Long Island Warriors Hockey fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Green Turtle, East Meadow
Sunday, April 7—Nassau County Firefighter’s 9th Annual Operation Wounded Warrior Tournament from noon at Levittown Lanes (56 Tanners Ln.)
Friday, April 12—Long Island Cares veterans resources fair and food distribution from 2 to 6 p.m. in Hauppauge
Saturday, April 13—Bingo fundraiser from 6 p.m. at Joseph Loeffler American Legion Post 1006, Brentwood
Saturday, April 13—Garage sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Blue Star Mothers at Marine Corps League, Massapequa
Sunday, April 14—Team Eva Marathon (www.goteameva.org for details)
Sunday, April 14—VFW District 11 Testimonial Dinner from 2 p.m. at Wade-Burns Post 7279 in Lindenhurst
Saturday, April 20—Williston Auxiliary Unit 144 Chinese Auction from 2 p.m. at Williston Park American Legion (730 Willis Ave.)
Saturday, April 20—Vets’ legal assistance from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hofstra Law Atrium, Hempstead
Saturday, April 20—22 Push Up Challenge and Out of the Darkness walk from 9 a.m. at Suffolk Community College Ammerman Campus
Saturday, April 27—Country Western Dance Party from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Baldwin American Legion (2754 Grand Ave.)
Saturday, May 11—Post 94 Poker Run from 9 a.m. at American Legion Post 94 in Babylon
Saturday, May 18—Vet Fest resource sharing event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Farmingdale Village Green (361 Main St.)
–Christy Hinko is a managing editor at Anton Media Group and U.S. Navy veteran
