As Memorial Day approaches, one photographer set out to refocus America's gaze from the three-day weekend and barbecues back to the holiday's true purpose: a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States armed forces. 

Andrew Lichtenstein, documentary photographer, journalist, and author, attended some 60 military funerals from 2003 to 2006 capturing the heartbreak and pride present as family and friends remembered and honored the fallen soldiers.

Lichtenstein published some of the photos in his 2007 book on the subject titled 'Never Coming Home.' On Friday the Times featured almost two dozen photos from the photographer's project. 

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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3094457/The-real-meaning-Memorial-Day-Photographer-shares-sobering-images-memorial-services-slain-veterans.html#ixzz3b3ljWvQM