This photograph, Symbols of Honor, captures the two flags as they billow side by side – one representing the ideals of liberty, and the other serving as a solemn promise that those taken in service will never be forgotten.

The American Flag has long stood as a beacon of unity and resilience. For generations, it has flown over fields of battle and quiet neighborhoods alike, reminding us of both the sacrifices made and the freedoms secured. Its presence outside McNair Hall connects directly to the lives of the soldiers, families, and veterans who have called Fort Sill home.

Beneath it, the POW/MIA Flag carries its own powerful meaning. Adopted in 1972, its stark black and white design serves as a constant reminder of the men and women who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. At Fort Sill, a post rich with military history, its presence is not only appropriate but deeply moving – a visual call to remember and honor those who did not make it home.

Photographing these flags together, I was struck by the contrast of their motion against the calm Oklahoma sky. The clouds moved softly, the wind carried the fabric, and in that moment, the flags felt alive – breathing history, sacrifice, and hope into the air around them.

For me, Symbols of Honor is not just a patriotic image. It’s a reflection of values we hold dear: courage, remembrance, unity, and resilience. It speaks to the sacrifices of the past, the service of the present, and the promises we make for the future.

Whether displayed in a home, office, or military space, this photograph serves as a reminder of what it means to honor freedom – and those who protect it.