Memorial Day Portraits

Today is Memorial Day, and to honor our heroes, provided below is a curated selection of portraits that showcase our nation's heroes.

Most of the portraits are headstones that distinctly honor those who have gone before us to protect our rights and freedoms.

To all the veterans (and their families) of our nation's armed services, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” — Douglas MacArthur

Selected Grave Markers

U.S. Veteran sign post — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Oakland Cemetery - Freeport, IL

WM Synder headstone - served in the military from 1861-1865 — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Wagner Cemetery - Freeport, IL

Capt Causland headstone statue — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Wagner Cemetery - Freeport, IL

Krape Veteren statue honoring his memory — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Oakwood Cemetery - Freeport, IL

Lester Rehfeld tombstone lost at sea - 1942 — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Oakwood Cemetery - Freeport, IL

Butterfield - Served in the American Revolution — Photo by Dave Anthold (2017) | Outside Freeport, IL

War On Terror Memorial

Wooden cross in a field with a soldier's name on it — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Freeport, IL

Many crosses in a field — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Freeport, IL

Small U.S. Flag flying with crosses behind it in the distance — Photo by Dave Anthold (2012) | Freeport, IL

Washington D.C. Memorials

The Korean War Memorial at night in Washington D.C. — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Korean War Memorial - Washington D.C.

Korean War Memorial Statue — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Korean War Memorial - Washington D.C.

Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Marine Corps Memorial - Washington D.C.

World War II Memorial at Night — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | World War II Memorial - Washington D.C.

Small American Flag waving with the backdrop of a blurred WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | World War II Memorial - Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery – Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery Marble Wall in the administrative building — Photo by Dave Anthold (2016) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Section 32 monument at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Arlington at rest - tombstones with fall colors — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Infant headstone with the Washington Monument in the background at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Headstone with flowers at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Unknown Soldier headstone among other headstones at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Headstone with a daughter's name on it. — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Military funeral horse team headed to another procession — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Guard walking a horse on their way to a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Guard passing in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Guard patrolling at Arlington National Cemetery by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Unknown Soldier standing guard at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery guard watches over the cemetery and the city — Photo by Dave Anthold (2011) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery — Photo by Dave Anthold (2016) | Arlington National Cemetery - Washington D.C.

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This post is syndicated from our soon-to-be-launched sister site, The Cradle to the Grave Project, which explores life and death from a pictorial perspective of cemeteries from around the globe.