Miles of Remembrance — The Journey Begins
October 24, 2026
Every town has a story. Some of those stories are written in books, while others are preserved in stone, bronze, and the names engraved upon veterans memorials across America.
For me, Miles of Remembrance is about finding those places, photographing them, and helping preserve the stories of the men and women who served our nation.
On Wednesday, October 28, I'll begin a journey from South Dakota toward Texas. Along the way, I'll travel through small towns, visit veterans memorials, and document the places where communities have chosen to remember their own.
This won't be a trip focused on interstate highways or getting from one destination to another as quickly as possible. The back roads, the towns, the memorials, and the people encountered along the way are all part of the story.
But there's another reason behind this journey. One that is deeply personal to me.
Finding Purpose Along the Way
Throughout our lives, we find ourselves taking different paths. Some are planned, others are unexpected, and occasionally we discover that something we once felt strongly about has been missing.
For me, Miles of Remembrance represents an opportunity to rediscover something important: a sense of purpose, both personally and professionally.
My years serving as a United States Marine helped shape who I am today. The values, discipline, commitment, and sense of responsibility that came with wearing the uniform have remained with me long after my military service ended.
Over the years, my professional career has taken me in different directions, and photography has become an important creative outlet. But I've also felt the desire to do something that brings together my experiences, my interests, and my belief in honoring those who served.
Miles of Remembrance gives me that opportunity.
It allows me to put my photography skills to work in a meaningful way, to continue learning, to challenge myself, and to contribute something that I hope will have value long after the photographs are taken.
It's about finding renewed direction and purpose through something I genuinely believe in.
I'm not undertaking this journey because I have all the answers. Quite the opposite. I expect to learn a great deal along the way, not only about the memorials and the people they honor, but also about myself.
And perhaps that's part of the journey, too.
Where the Journey Began
Miles of Remembrance isn't where my journey into memorial photography began.
One photograph that holds particular significance for me is of the memorial honoring the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines — "The Walking Dead" — at Camp Pendleton, California.
Having served with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, photographing this memorial was deeply personal. It represents a connection to my military service, the brotherhood of Marines, and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
[INSERT PHOTOGRAPH: 1st Battalion, 9th Marines Memorial]
The 1st Battalion, 9th Marines memorial at Camp Pendleton, California. This photograph, taken by Frank S. Sellin, was published in Heroes Live Here by Amy Forsythe. Photography © Sellin Photography.
I also had the honor of contributing this photograph to Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11, a book written by fellow United States Marine Amy Forsythe.
The book pays tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice following the events of September 11, 2001. Through photography and storytelling, it helps preserve their memory and recognize the sacrifices made by them and their families.
Having my photography included in Amy's book was something I was particularly proud of. It gave my photography a purpose beyond simply capturing an image.
[INSERT PHOTOGRAPH: Heroes Live Here Book Cover]
Heroes Live Here: A Tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11, by Amy Forsythe. Featuring a photograph contributed by Frank S. Sellin of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines memorial at Camp Pendleton.
Those memorials represent more than names engraved in stone. They represent individual lives, families, friendships, sacrifices, and a brotherhood that extends far beyond military service.
That experience reinforced something I've believed for a long time: every memorial has a story worth preserving, and every person remembered deserves to have that story carried forward.
It also helped shape what I hope to accomplish through Miles of Remembrance.
While Amy's book focuses on the Marines of Camp Pendleton, my goal is to take that same spirit of remembrance onto the back roads of America, visiting communities large and small and documenting how they honor their veterans.
In many ways, this journey is a continuation of something that began years ago.
And perhaps, through this journey, I'll discover a little more about my own purpose along the way.
Stories From the Road
While traveling, I'm going to make every effort to publish a daily Journal entry documenting the day's adventures.
Of course, the veterans memorials will remain the primary focus of Miles of Remembrance, but there's so much more to see along the way.
We'll talk about the towns I pass through, the people I meet, the scenery, interesting roadside discoveries, and whatever else catches my attention.
There will undoubtedly be some unexpected detours, a few interesting conversations, and probably a moment or two when I wonder what in the world I've gotten myself into.
Some days might bring several memorials and hundreds of photographs. Other days might be about one small town, one remarkable story, or a memorial tucked away somewhere most travelers would never think to stop.
I'll share the good, the challenging, the funny, and the unexpected. After all, getting there is only part of the adventure.
Think of this Journal as an opportunity to ride along, see what I see, and experience a little bit of America from the back roads.
And if things don't always go according to plan, well, that will probably make for an even better story!
The People Behind the Journey
A journey like this doesn't happen without the encouragement, patience, and support of some pretty important people.
First and foremost, there's my wife, Corrina, affectionately known as "The Boss."
Her love, patience, and support mean more than I could ever adequately put into words. She's been there through my photography adventures, my ideas, and the occasional moments when I announce that I've come up with yet another project.
And somehow, she continues to put up with me.
I'm equally grateful for my family, whose encouragement and belief in what I'm trying to accomplish help make this journey possible. Knowing they're behind me means a great deal, especially when the miles start adding up.
Then there are my brother Marines and Navy Corpsmen. The bonds formed through military service don't simply disappear when the uniform comes off. The friendships, shared experiences, and sense of brotherhood remain.
Those connections are part of what makes this project so meaningful to me.
And yes, I suppose I should acknowledge my friends in the Air Force, too.
Even those pesky Air Force people deserve a little recognition. After all, somebody had to make sure the accommodations were comfortable while the Marines were out doing Marine things!
All joking aside, the friendships and mutual respect shared among those who have served, regardless of branch, are something I deeply value.
To my family, friends, fellow veterans, and everyone who has encouraged this project: thank you.
Your support is part of this journey, whether you're riding along in person or following from home.
More Than Just Miles
Miles of Remembrance isn't about how many miles I can travel or how many photographs I can take.
It's about remembering the people whose names are engraved on those memorials. It's about the communities that continue to honor them. And it's about documenting those places so their stories aren't forgotten.
It's also about finding renewed purpose in my own life, building something meaningful, and using the experiences and skills I've gained over the years to make a difference, even if it's one photograph, one memorial, or one story at a time.
I don't know exactly what I'll discover along the way, and that's part of what makes this adventure exciting.
What I do know is that I'll have my camera equipment, my notebook, a few carefully planned stops, and plenty of opportunities to find something unexpected.
So, whether you're a fellow veteran, a photography enthusiast, a friend, a family member, or someone who simply enjoys a good road-trip story, I hope you'll follow along.
The road ahead is waiting.
And the stories are out there.
Every mile has a purpose. Every memorial has a story. Every name deserves to be remembered.
Remember. Honor. Preserve.
Frank “Sarge” Sellin
Sellin Photography – Miles of Remembrance
Semper Fidelis
1st Battalion 9th Marines - The Walking Dead Memorial located at 53 Area (Camp Horno), Camp Pendelton, CA
“Hero’s Live Here” By Amy Forsythe