Everyday for the last 200+ years, brave men and women make the decision to put their country’s needs above their own.  They decide that the freedoms we want are for all our citizens.  They are willing to give of their time, and even their lives, to ensure we keep those freedoms.  Each day we should remember those and their sacrifice, but especially on this, the day set aside to officially and openly recognize their actions.

I made this image last November during a visit to our nation’s capital.  I planned to visit Arlington National Cemetery for only an hour or less and ended up being there for almost 4.  As I walked through the rolling hills that honor our nation’s fallen, I felt the calm that they had fought for us to enjoy.  I was moved by the extreme precision of the single soldier that guards the tomb of the unknown, not from a point of showmanship, but rather from the point of extreme respect he has for the importance of his post.  I was intrigued  to learn that guard always keeps his weapon on his shoulder facing the onlookers to make certain all know he will defend this hallowed resting place.  While there are many thousands that are known and marked in the hills below, this is a special place dedicated to all those that made the supreme sacrifice and where not identified.  Even many years later, no one is forgotten.