Across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. lies this nation's sacred of grounds, Arlington National Cemetery, where some of our nation's finest form as far back as the Revolutionary War are buried. Over 310,000 men and women call Arlington their final resting place - from Presidents, honored statesmen, explorers, and literary figures to the common soldier and sailor along with 3,800 former slaves. Their stories beg to be heard- stories of courage against insurmountable odds, of love of brother and country, and of sacrifice. Stories of hope, faith and dreams on choices made during adversity.

In this often heart-wrenching, often inspirational anthology, see how these noble souls , whether generals or slaves, influenced the world in which they lived . Their stories are still with us, bidding us to think of life, not death... a life to which , in their youth, they lent the passion and joy of spring.

A Native Californian , Ron MacDonald had been an accomplished and published photographer for over 20 years. While traveling and photographing in Europe and here he visited many historical cemeteries, including Omaha Beach Cemetery, where he found his uncle's final resting place. His love of history drove him to tell the untold stories of those who reside at Arlington National Cemetery. This is Ron's first book and tells the often heart-wrenching and inspirational stories of those noble souls, told as if they themselves are telling their own stories.