U.S. Army Specialist Christopher Riveria displays a tattoo on his shoulder as he passes the time, waiting to leave Kuwait and head home after exiting from Iraq on December 9, 2011. (Joe Raedle/Getty ...

Tattoos are arguably the most intense form of self-expression, statements permanently etched into one’s skin. But in the military, where everyone wears the same uniform, tattoos make individuals stand ...

Swearing to remember, but knowing memories fade, some turn their grief into ink. Part therapy, part tribute, memorial tattoos are common across the military and veteran community, but never alike.

They say your body is a temple. In the military, that temple is often covered in eagles, unit insignia and enough skulls to make a biker gang blush. For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite ...