ART | War Through a Marine's Brush

Michael D. Fay.

AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ  |  Michael D Fay, May-June 2010

To commemorate Memorial Day in the United States, it's an old tradition to put your mind inside the heart of a Marine, soldier, airman, sailor, or medic to remember why so many people around the world sacrifice their lives in war and peacekeeping. As Walt Whitman wrote, "There in the room as I wake from sleep this vision presses upon me; The engagement opens there and then in fantasy unreal, The skirmishers begin, they crawl cautiously ahead, I hear the irregular snap! snap!..."

While serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, Marine Combat Artist Michael D Fay took moments to sketch, illustrate, paint, and sculpt depictions of his fellow Marines and soldiers along the way. Here are some highlights from Fay's vast collection he agreed to share with HELO...Go here for the full series and link to Fay's website.