Dignified transfer

"Army soldiers carry the flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, on August 10, 2012 in Dover, Delaware. Kennedy, who was from West Point, N.Y., was killed alongside two other American troops while serving in the U.S. Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Kennedy was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo."

Last week, I had the great honor of covering a pair of dignified transfers at Dover Airforce base for Getty Images.

Soldiers whom have fallen at the cost of war are brought home through Dover. From the aircraft to a transfer vehicle, a carry team of military personnel give honor to those who have given their lives in the service of the United States. The vehicle then moves the fallen to the mortuary.

For those unaware, in 2009, the Secretary of Defense announced a change in policy that, upon consent of the family of the deceased, allowed media access to cover dignified transfers. It's a beautiful show of honor, respect.

As I mentioned, it's a humbling honor and opportunity to photograph these transfers, and it's important to honor the fallen for their service. These images hopefully resonate not only to those in the fallen's hometown, but everyone reading the news the next day worldwide.