Where Valor Rests
Where Valor Rests
Fourth of July fireworks light headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. The photos in this gallery represent just a fraction of the images that can be found in the recently released book, ‘Where Valor Rests.’ This unique book of stunning photography is a poignant profile of the people, places, events and seasons of Arlington National Cemetery
Where Valor Rests
Flanked by his mother, Autumn, and other family members, three-year-old Dillon Letendre is consoled by his uncle, Marine Cpl. Justin Letendre, after receiving the flag that draped the casket of his father, Marine Capt. Brian S. Letendre, who died in Iraq May 3rd, 2006. A special commemorative edition of the book is given to families who have suffered a loss and whose loved ones are buried here.
Where Valor Rests
The seemingly endless rows of headstones illustrate the cost of war. A sanctuary for heroes, soldiers, and Presidents, the cemetery is a national monument of the highest natural beauty. ‘Where Valor Rests’ is a commemorative book honoring those who served our country, their families, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Where Valor Rests
Captured by infrared photography, the spires of the new Air Force Memorial (at left) tower over the headstones. Royalties from purchases of this inspiring book go back to the non-profit Arlington National Cemetery Commemorative Project, Inc.
Where Valor Rests
A pair of horses, always matching in color, is readied for a funeral procession by a member of the Third Infantry "Old Guard." The cemetery's 500 servicemen and workers serve with great honor. They never intrude, never waver in their commitment.
Where Valor Rests
Marine Capt. Lisa Doring receives consolation and support during the memorial service for her husband, Marine Capt. Nathaniel Doring, who died in Iraq. At the graveside, six body bearers fold the flag –13 times into a trim triangle, stars facing out – and it is presented to next of kin. The firing party discharges its salute, followed by ‘Taps’ and a procession from the grave.
Where Valor Rests
World War II veterans who turned back the Nazis weep openly during the dedication ceremony at Arlington’s Battle of the Bulge monument. They strive to keep alive the memories of the dead, their valor, fidelity, and sacrifice, and the noble ideals of freedom and liberty for which they died. Just as the fallen give silent witness to the price of those ideals, those veterans with whom they fought and the loved ones whose pictures they carried salute them as heroes who put service above self.
Where Valor Rests
As one plane peels straight up and away from the others, a maneuver known as the ‘missing man formation’ – seen here from above – ranks as the Air Force’s most impressive aerial display. Upon burial, each pilot is entitled to a fly over, depending on the availability of planes. For this photograph, Ronald Reagan International Airport was shut down for one hour.
Where Valor Rests
The Jewish tradition of placing stones atop a headstone transcends faith at Arlington. Followers of 32 different faiths have died under the same flag and now lie beneath the same ground. The cemetery covers 62 foreign nationals; including British, South African, Chinese, Greek and Australian, among others.
Where Valor Rests
Surviving loved ones leave intimate symbols of love and faith.
Where Valor Rests
Navy Petty Officer Timothy Stanley plays ‘Taps’ at a Navy funeral. Composed by General Butterfield during the Civil War, ‘Taps’ is played whenever a man is buried with military honors in the United States. The ceremony is concluded with firing three volleys of musketry over the grave and the sounding of the trumpet or bugle.
Where Valor Rests
Specialist Ethan Morse, one of the elite Honor Guard Sentinels who provide round-the-clock protection at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is highlighted by strobes during a long photographic exposure. In 1921, the U.S. Congress approved the burial of an unidentified American soldier from World War I. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days per year by members of the elite Third U.S. Infantry headquartered in Fort Myer, Va.
Where Valor Rests
The surface roots of an old oak encase a grave marker. Space is the challenge to Arlington’s future. As the current rate of internment, the cemetery will reach capacity in 2060.
Where Valor Rests
Retired Marine Col. Charles Gallina places flowers at the grave of his wife, Caroline Havel.
Where Valor Rests
Edged in light and compacted by the use of a long lens, the grave markers of Section 54 suggest an endless sea of soldiers standing in perfect formation for all eternity. Nearby Section 60 is sacred ground awaiting soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Roughly one in ten soldiers killed in Iraq is buried at Arlington, a higher percentage from previous American wars.
Where Valor Rests
Dating from the Civil War, a 20 inch granite Meigs marker honoring a Union soldier basks in the gloaming sky.
Where Valor Rests
A ray of sunlight peeks through the tree canopy. Arlington National Cemetery is a living, breathing memorial to those who served; a place for their surviving family members to interact, reflect, relax, and sometimes make a connection with others experiencing and feeling the same grief.
