In Oct, someone asked if I’d photograph a friend’s grandson’s grave during @WreathsAcross.

I explained, sheepishly, I can’t/won’t/don’t visit #Arlington w/ crowds. I promised I’d go afterwards.

I went today. 1/

I don’t know the Marine, or his grandfather. I just know a broken-hearted man in the Midwest hadn’t been able to visit his grandson’s grave. http://www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls000186307611 2/

I put aside my own Arlington angst, and set out to find Sgt Talon Leach’s name, etched in marble. I knew, because he’d died in July, he’d be amongst the newest graves in Section 60. Essentially, he’d be at the back. 3/

I walked “the block” first, the familiar rows that bear the names of so many friends killed from 2003-2012. I took a few shots to send to friends, then walked on towards the last rows, where the sod gives way to soil. 4/

I found him, easily. His space, like the hundreds of thousands, was adorned with an evergreen wreath. I shot it, as is, first. Took a knee, took a moment, took a photo. 5/

I adjusted the wreath to ensure his name was showing, adjusted the ribbon so his unit was represented. 6/

Then, carefully, I removed the wreath to take a photo for his grandpa. I wanted to show him the entire marble mantle commemorating the life of his Marine, not quite 28 when he died. 7/

Considering he’d never been to Arlington, I tried to capture the whole scene, or at least the area where his grandson rests. 8/

I started to leave, and faltered. My mind’s eye kept searching out one more shot, to ensure his grandpa had the whole scene. 9/

I firmly believe, if we say their names, they will not be forgotten. https://marsocfoundation.org/sergeant-talon-leach/

10/

I walked away and looked back, caught a ray of light on the grave. One more shot, then, for a Grandpa I don’t know, to honor a Marine I’ll never meet.

Until Valhalla, Sgt Leach. -fin-