Today, on Memorial Day, I want to pause and reflect on all the families who have lost a loved one in service of our country. This day is not just about remembering the fallen but also about recognizing the families, friends, and communities who live with the weight of that sacrifice every day.

When I first began my documentary project years ago, one of the earliest places I photographed was the National Mall during Memorial Day weekend. One image has always stayed with me—a quiet moment at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

If you’ve ever visited, you know what I mean. Tucked along the wall are hundreds of handwritten letters, flags, and personal tributes. Each one a testimony of love, loss, and remembrance. They’re deeply moving reminders that while wars may end, the memory and meaning of sacrifice endure.

Today, I simply want to honor those who gave everything—and the people who continue to carry their stories forward.