A Day in the Life of the United States Armed Forces

Description

On October 22, 2002, more than 125 of the world’s finest photographers set out on a unique global mission. Their instructions were simple: look beyond the daily news headlines, dig beneath the breaking stories, and capture what life is like on an ordinary day for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces around the world.

For 24 consecutive hours, this prize-winning team of civilian and military photographers — working with the cooperation and support of the Department of Defense — chronicled daily life in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The resulting book of photographs documents the lives of elite units and freshly minted recruits; of cadets, generals, fire-fighters, medics, and MPs; of soldiers at desolate outposts and on strategic bases. It illustrates life in the cockpit of a fighter, on a Trident submarine, in an underground missile silo, and at computer terminals in a war room. It shows personnel patrolling borders, jungles, mountains, and harbors; training for special operations; and fighting terrorism.

It is a timeless portrait — in indelible images and eloquent words — of the men and women who wear the uniforms of the American military. They are your sons, daughters, spouses, neighbors, and friends.

Together these photographs provide an inspiring visual reminder of the routine and heroic operations, the sacrifices and dedication, that are necessary to defend America’s freedoms 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“We are America, and the photographs on these pages are our family album.” “The results…are pretty stunning. No other day in our history is likely to be recorded.” “A Day in the Life of America captures this huge country in all its mundane and marvelous spirit.” “A Day in the Life of America is a great book.” “Alive with quirks, rich with tradition and blessed with an exceptional people.” “Powerful. The impossible job of representing a complex, diverse and huge nation has been accomplished.” “We can hold in our hands a collection of images that define…America…on a pleasant day in May.” “Fascinating…folksy, often funny, always thoughtful.” “Dazzling … a gripping portrait.” “Poignant. Take a few minutes to celebrate the lives of the folks who keep your ass safe.” “There is a poignancy in looking at a standard-issue day shortly before all hell breaks loose.” “One of the most elegant pieces of…publishing ever undertaken by a U.S. publishing house.” “Incredible. An amazing testament to the diversity…of the U.S. military. We’re everywhere, doing a little bit of everything.”

Additional information