Have you ever thought of a tattoo as a story? Most of us realize that tattoos are art, but they are also symbols with meaning. Every tattoo, from the simplest "Mom" or anchor to the most intricate 3D design - is selected for a reason. Tattoos can reflect our religion and our affinity for certain concepts or objects. For those in the military, tattoos can have a deeper meaning. Perhaps one is a tribute to a fallen battle buddy, or a way to find strength. Even seemingly simple tribal tattoos have meaning.

The White River Valley Museum in Auburn is putting together an exhibit called Service Ink: Veterans' Tattoos and Their Stories and is looking for servicemembers in Washington to share the stories about their military-inspired ink.

All current and former servicemembers of any age, branch or rank living in Washington state are invited to submit the story of their tattoo for consideration in the exhibit, which will run from June 24 to Nov. 15.

Submission is simple. The online entry form is on the museum's website at www.wrvmuseum.org. Briefly explain the story behind the tattoo and include a high-resolution photo. It's free to enter, and there is no limit on the amount of entries. The submission deadline is April 1.

"We are looking for the story behind the tattoo," explained Museum Director Patricia Cosgrove. "Many that are military-inspired are more than casual and more than decoration. We encourage applicants to really think about that and give us a meaningful story that we can get our teeth into and understand where they are coming from."

A jury comprised of veterans will select about 30 entries "that are the most representative or meaningful or beautiful," Cosgrove said. "Then we'll have professional photographers take photos of those tattoos and work out a graphic presentation for display."

The photos will be blown up and mounted and will line the walls of the exhibit, which will also feature a binder with all of the entries and their stories.

"We're hoping this exhibit will feel like a place to sit and talk and look and read about their inspiration," Cosgrove said. "If we're able, we'll also do some oral histories from some of the veterans about their tattoos."

The exhibit will fill the museum's rotating exhibit area, but Cosgrove said organizers are hoping to include some artifacts in the museum's permanent display case as well.

The Service Ink exhibit will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Auburn's Veteran's Day Parade this year. "It seemed like the tattoo subject and the 50th anniversary might kind of come together and allow us to pay tribute and also introduce veterans and their stories to the rest of the community," Cosgrove said. "We're in the recruiting phase right now and are hoping to get many entries."

The White River Valley Museum is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. For more information, visit www.wrvmuseum.org or call 253.288.7437.