THE LAST BATTLEFIELD

After 10 years of clinging to my son’s cremated remains, I finally decided to let Russel go and embarked on the documentary journey of The Last Battlefield: a road trip, and eventual backpacking trip, for the purpose of visiting historic battlefields, and at each, leaving a dash of Russel’s ashes and saying a prayer for peace. A simple act, a symbolic act, a token, an offering, on behalf of all who’ve wronged for all who’ve been wronged, to set the scales back even, to end the cycle of violence, and to set the stage for dialogue and productive conversation. 4 of 20 battlefields have been visited, the rest are in the works … stay tuned.

EPISODE I - Two/Three Boys

Spreading the ashes of my son, Russel, with my other son, Walter. 

EPISODE II - A Sky So Full

About 15 years ago, I came to New York City. 
The date was September 12th.

I came to the city to help, to help dig out, to hand out water … anything.
I was turned away as all rescue operations were reserved for professionals.
I was 18 years’ old.

I stayed in the city for five days, not rescuing it, but photographing it;
it’s candle vigils, its missing person collages, the quiet and the calm.
I breathed the smoke and ash from ground zero.
I walked the shaken streets.
The people were soft and still, timid and scared.

Within one year, I would be a Marine.
Within two, I would be back from war.

This time, when I drove to New York City,
a lack of sleep, a wrong exit off the turnpike,
and I was greeted unexpectedly by Empty Sky, 
the inspiring 9/11 Memorial at Liberty Park.

For many in film, the Big Apple is a place where it all starts.
For me though, NYC is a place that has its roots in me as an artist,
as well as a soldier.
This is the first battlefield.

To those who suffered on this, or any battlefield; 
the innocent bystanders, the first responders, the well-meaning warriors:
to them this project is dedicated.

Their stories shall live on.

EPISODE III - New York Shooting

Exploring the city, 15 years later, and getting to know our newly purchased 4k camcorder, the JVC GY-HM170UA  4KCAM.

EPISODE IV - Ashes at Arlington

Spreading my son's ashes with some brothers at Arlington National Cemetery, a tribute to those lost, and a prayer for peace.

Graves visited - 
SSgt. Anthony Goodwin
1st Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney
Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon
Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse
Capt. Brian S. Letendre

Ashes - Russel B. Mello

And yes, the little girl at the end, is placing flowers at a headstone for a soldier named Russell. This is why I work in documentary, because I couldn't write these perfect twists if I tried.

EPISODE V

A tribute, to Fuego Valentina Mello

So after 10 years of clinging to my son’s cremated remains, last winter I finally decided to let Russel go and embarked on the documentary journey of The Last Battlefield: a road trip, and eventual backpacking trip, for the purpose of visiting historic battlefields, and at each, leaving a dash of Russel’s ashes and saying a prayer for peace. A simple act, a symbolic act, a token, an offering, on behalf of all who’ve wronged for all who’ve been wronged, to set the scales back even, to end the cycle of violence, and set the stage for dialogue and productive conversation. 4 of 20 battlefields have been visited, the rest are in the works.

Shortly after making the decision to sacrifice my child for this mission, I found that I was being blessed with another; a daughter. But this child, Fuego Valentina Mello departed this world before fully entering it. The Hand bestowed upon me, and with the fruit in my palm, I thought I finally comprehended the nature of this power. Then, the Hand took it back, again. And, as I felt it sinking, I faced the riddle once again. For many years now, this force of change and the riddle it poses, have been entities I’ve always felt the need to move towards.

In a backward way, Fuego first died, then was born second, a story not totally uncommon, but contrary to the common script. Yet, this means her story didn’t end with death, but rather, life.

Even more so, it means her story is not over. The role she will play in it has changed, as the role she will play in our lives has changed. She will, however, continue to play in both. I thought it would be Walter and Dean playing with her. Now I know that it will be Russel. Her empty branches will be cast onto the earth, but her soul has already returned to the sky.

Fuego’s story is very much the story of me and Crystal. A story which will be shared more over time. But as for Fuego, she came into our lives and from the beginning, began changing us forever. The pregnancy, a time like summer, was marked by the jubilation we shared upon learning of her creation and the pleasure we enjoyed documenting her growth. The bond between us grew stronger with each day; a bond of anticipation and optimism. A time when we knew where each thing stood in the house of our growing family.

We never expected she’d sink back into the source of everything; taken by "a virus so rare” the doctor explained, "it’s uneconomical to vaccinate for.” Our story then became about fighting to save her; a bold time of sophisticated science and abundant prayer. When the smoke cleared, we shared the shock and trauma of empty branches. Now we share the grief.

I am blessed to have suffered this tragedy with Crystal. Never before have I known someone who grieves so well, in such healthy, productive, and honorable ways. Through our grieving together, our bond has solidified. Now we move forward, embracing this experience transforming it into creativity, inspiration, and testimony, for the good of others.

Death confuses, but when we put our hearts together, the plain feels less lonely, and we can sometimes learn that life and death are mutual, natural, and perhaps even beautiful. Even when you feel as a stranger, after you lose her body, you remember her soul remains; it is all you have. Be earth which consumes withered leaves and prays new life from them, nurtured from above. And again in the spring, you will blossom in rhythm with the seasons, giving and taking, and taking and giving.

EPISODE VI - Ashes at Ground Zero

On Wednesday, June 15th
Crystal and I visited NYC
To leave some of Russel’s ashes at the 9/11 Memorial

A Battlefield I visited 15 years ago, 
During which I documented the city the week after the attacks

Now, in 2016, I decided to leave my son’s ashes
At the “Survivor Tree”
A tree which remained standing after the attacks
A symbol of life and resilience

In one of my photos, there was a missing person
Named David J. Williams
With the help of Crystal, and a quick internet search
We learned that he did in fact die in the attack
And we were able to find his name and visit him
Ultimately I decided to spread ashes in the waters of the memorial
For those who perished

The never ending void in the center
represents the endless tears shed for those lost
the tree represents life persisting, even after tragedy.

EPISODE VII

In this episode, we find a surprise waiting for us near David Williams, 
One that leads to more healing than we could have ever expected.

EPISODE VIII

The LAST Battlefield journeys to Washington D.C to visit the Vietnam War Memorial with fellow veterans to present a commemorative plaque.

EPISODE IX

In this episode, we tell the story of our time serving with the brave men of

1ST BATTALION 2ND MARINE REGIMENT and their courageous actions during

the BATTLE OF NASIRIYAH.

EPISODE X

Vietnam veteran, Jack, shares his memories and sentiments regarding the war in an original poem.

EPISODE XI

U.S. Marine, Iraq veteran, Jeremiah aka -GenuinePoetry- reports on the war at home.

EPISODE XII

THE GROUNDSKEEPER’S FAREWELL

The story: a Vietnam veteran, and elementary school groundskeeper,

describes feelings of hopelessness regarding the

ongoing conflict and unrest- and reveals his plan for dealing with it.

EPISODE XIII

Veteran activist, Larry Holmes, shares words of wisdom during the 1 year remembrance of the Baltimore uprising.

EPISODE XIV

To those seeking solutions: why not charity?