–image source for cover image
Military tattoos are illustrations of the story that soldier or veteran is living. They are both deeply personal and point to a connection with a much larger story: an event, a family made of fellow soldiers, a literal and figurative battle whose effects still echo loudly in their minds. Military tattoos hold honor and sometimes, catharsis.
Some stories are told in words; others are told in ink.
– War Ink
Though the population of United States enlisted servicemen and women is certainly diverse, there is one common thread that binds them together: love of country. An enlistee is a civilian until he or she takes the Oath of Enlistment:
“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same …”
It is through this transformation that more and more soldiers are finding themselves united through another common thread: their military tattoos. These tattoos are maps and canvases of their journey; they are memorials; they are the tie that binds.
These are a few of the most inspiring military tattoos we’ve found.
- “Live for God, Die for my country.”
- ooh rah!
- The whole platoon
- Forever tagged
- “Pray for peace, prepare for war”
- Tags ‘N Roses
- “Freedom’s never free”
Here is a brief history of military tattoos. If you are a veteran yourself, you won’t be too surprised to read that 36% of veterans and servicemen have tattoos. If you’ve seen combat, that number rises to 90%!
For even more insight into the deep link between servicemen and ink, watch this short and moving video by War Ink:
