From the hills of Gettysburg and the beaches of Normandy to the fields of Vietnam and the mountains of Afghanistan, this soil represents more than earth. It represents lives, legacies, and honor.

The words etched on the plaque call for respect, reminding all who pass that they walk on ground connected to sacrifice. Each name listed – Little Big Horn, The Alamo, Omaha Beach, Berlin, and more – tells a story of courage and loss. Together, they weave a larger story of service that transcends time and place.

For me, Hallowed Soil carries deep personal meaning as a military spouse. Standing before it, I’m reminded that every conflict is more than a chapter in history – it’s a lived reality for soldiers and their families. The soil collected here is not symbolic alone; it is literal, carried from battlefields where lives were forever changed.

This memorial embodies the Army values of duty, country, and honor. It ties the past to the present, reminding us that the sacrifices of today’s soldiers echo those of generations before them. While the landscapes may change, the courage required remains the same.

Photographing Hallowed Soil was an act of reverence. I wanted to capture not only the plaque itself, but also the way it stands quietly among the trees – a marker rooted in nature, symbolizing both loss and continuity.

Hallowed Soil is more than a photograph of a memorial. It is a reflection of memory, a reminder of the cost of freedom, and a tribute to those who can never be forgotten.