This is a tribute to the fallen, depicting present and past and the pull of time. A quiet tree-lined road, a cemetery, marching soldiers (an historical photo from 1945), and Veteran Boyd Affleck respectfully saluting. As I worked on this piece, I felt as though the soldiers at left were coming into the present, wanting to be known, and Affleck was being pulled down the lane toward the light, hoping to be remembered.

A member of the Dutch Resistance (left) and a Canadian Veteran meet for the first time and share a moment of mutual respect and caring. The light behind the illuminates the intensity and force of touch.

I was moved by how important direct touch was, how people encouraged their children to shake the hand of one of their heroes, and all ages sought out opportunities to do that. There was an incredible show of emotion, joy, sadness, overwhelm, and gratitude. Letters expressing gratitude and love were given to the Veterans and their families, and people held signs with messages of freedom as we traveled throughout The Netherlands, providing a testament that the Veterans’ service and commitment did make a difference. Despite our homelands being divided by a vast ocean, distance does not separate the human spirit and soul. Our deep caring for one another prevails, we sacrifice for one another and share both painful and joyful experiences. These panels emphasize the power of touch - skin on skin - between us.

I was moved by how important direct touch was, how people encouraged their children to shake the hand of one of their heroes, and all ages sought out opportunities to do that. There was an incredible show of emotion, joy, sadness, overwhelm, and gratitude. Letters expressing gratitude and love were given to the Veterans and their families, and people held signs with messages of freedom as we traveled throughout The Netherlands, providing a testament that the Veterans’ service and commitment did make a difference. Despite our homelands being divided by a vast ocean, distance does not separate the human spirit and soul. Our deep caring for one another prevails, we sacrifice for one another and share both painful and joyful experiences. These panels emphasize the power of touch - skin on skin - between us.

I was moved by how important direct touch was, how people encouraged their children to shake the hand of one of their heroes, and all ages sought out opportunities to do that. There was an incredible show of emotion, joy, sadness, overwhelm, and gratitude. Letters expressing gratitude and love were given to the Veterans and their families, and people held signs with messages of freedom as we traveled throughout The Netherlands, providing a testament that the Veterans’ service and commitment did make a difference. Despite our homelands being divided by a vast ocean, distance does not separate the human spirit and soul. Our deep caring for one another prevails, we sacrifice for one another and share both painful and joyful experiences. These panels emphasize the power of touch - skin on skin - between us.

Veteran Robie Hancock (center) visited the grave of his fallen comrade and described this as “the most meaningful event” during his visit in 2015. Fellow Veterans join in paying respect and giving a last salute. Poppies are the traditional symbol of remembrance, and here they also represent bloodshed, tenacity, and growth.

Children are a big part of remembrance ceremonies in The Netherlands and are educated about the cost of freedom, enabling all generations to feel continued respect and gratitude. Here, present day children attending a commemoration, reflect upon the image of children from 1945, also paying respect to the fallen. The words Nea Ferjitte (Never Forget in the Frisian language) challenge the viewer to Remember.