Nothing has been asked of the homefront in this war. Nothing. An ignorance of consequence prevails. The American serviceman has a right to expect that the American citizen is, at least, involved in the fact of his or her involvement. This photo essay leaves taste of knowing, stunningly empty, rich in some kind of vicarious participation. Thank you, Mr. Fusco, for the only intimacy the rest of us can have with it.

I'm from Colombia, a student of photography, in my country and i'm sure in many other countries where the sufferment of war is a constant, few are the ones that really know the price of the so called ideals..honor, bravery, country, duty..most of the people that claim this flags as almost divine, don't likely go to fight or send their kids to war..in war many kids are dying and families are suffering but they remain anonymous because is better to have an idea of a hero than the reality of war..kids killing and getting killed for whatever reason, anyone could put a name for that reason.

You hit the nail on the head, Mr. Fusco. I'm not sure why the military as an institution is so closed when it comes to war casualties, but as the spouse of an Army soldier- I find it insulting. Why is it that military families alone must shoulder the burden for this war? Why is there no opportunity for us to grieve as a nation and thereby examine the true cost of war? We live in a military community in Germany, and the war IS our every day reality. When I visit the states- it's like nothing is happening! Here- when a soldier dies, there is a community memorial service. No body, just a pair of boots, a rifle, a helmet, and dogtags. They say the roll call of all the names in the unit. When they get to the deceased they stop and repeat it three times. It's terrible. It is all of our worst fears. Why must his be our nightmare alone?