SAN ANTONIO – Vietnam War veteran Michael Reagan honors slain military members through his Fallen Heroes Project, bringing them back to life through portraits.
He said he makes two portraits a day and gives them to families for free.
"Whenever I do one of these portraits, I start with the eyes, because once I get the eyes done, the picture becomes alive to me. I’ve studied the person I’m drawing," Reagan said.
Reagan has created nearly 4,600 portraits and hopes a special message resonates in family members' hearts when they receive the drawing.
"It's very spiritual, very personal. Obviously I’m not bringing people home, but I’m giving the families something to love," he said.
It is something to hold onto as they begin the healing process.
"The definition of love is something that I thought I understood, until I started this project," Reagan said.
USAA memorial ceremony honors veterans with poppy wall
With Memorial Day less than a week away, San Antonio company USAA is honoring fallen military members with a memorial poppy wall -- one for each service member killed since the start of World War I.
The wall of 640,000 poppies was on display Tuesday, giving a visual representation of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Those in attendance to see the wall shared stories of loved ones who died serving the nation.
"It's one thing to remember anyone who serves, first of all, but those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, they have a special place in our heart," retired Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya said.
Kamiya was reminded of sweet sentiments of his father, who served in the Army during World War II.
"What he taught me, and the values and the character that he helped me become, I never forget," he said.
Memorial Day is Monday. Click here to see how people are honoring military members on social media.