:: honor thy father ::

...as a new member of an amazing organization called Operation: Love ReUnited I have been chomping at the bit to get my first shoot with them. Normally the volunteer photographers in this group take pictures for military families whose loved ones are deploying, already deployed, or returning home. Today was my first shoot, but it wasn't the norm...this was an exception to the rule. Today I met the most amazing family who honored their fallen loved one with a remembrance ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery. 2 years ago this week this family lost their son, husband, father, friend...an unimaginable tragedy. I can't begin to wrap my head around this loss. Their daughter was not even 2 years old...her memories of her father will forever be tied to Arlington. I watched as this sweet almost 4 year old girl led another little girl over to the headstone and told her "this is my daddy". Absolutely heartbreaking. But through all of this heartbreak rose  a strong, loving, beautiful group of family and friends...forever bound by their love for this hero.

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**

a fitting tribute for this Irish family

making Daddy look perfect

the best friend

Daddy's girl needed a little break with her bunny

a Guinness in tribute

this is also his birthday month

a little Mommy/daughter time

 Here are a few random shots of Arlington

so many new ones

visiting a friend

this one broke my heart. those two were part of a group that were visiting a soldier for his birthday. they all stood around his headstone and sang to him. 

**The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense**