As we honor Memorial Day, members of our Military Veterans Resource Group (MVERG) reflected on the lives and sacrifices of fallen service members, allowing us to better understand the true meaning of this day.
William, Senior Business Standards Consultant
My story is not about any one fallen service member, but the collective loss of 47 sailors that I served with who were killed in an explosion on April 19, 1989. I knew many of them by face as I was part of the finance team that took care of getting them paid and, for those that had families, preparing to have their pay available to their wives when they would go overseas for an extended period of time.
The most significant impact of this incident was that I had just worked with one sailor to get his finances in order for his family, as the ship had a 6-month deployment scheduled in less than 2 months. Less than an hour later, he was killed in the accident. I think often about how much life I’ve experienced and how much these sailors have missed (and their families have missed with them), and it’s a tough pill to swallow, even 36 years later. Most of the fallen were in their first enlistment (under 22 years old).
Memorial Day is about how America came to be and continues through those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
I think the towns and cities we live near do a good job of honoring the fallen. To the loved ones of those lost, veterans and active-duty military who attend, it’s a bittersweet reminder, but they are very appreciative of the work that goes into those events. People need to remember that “the day off” and the “party atmosphere” have been provided by the sacrifices of the fallen. While this is a solemn day, I trust that the fallen would approve and be proud that freedom still reigns in the United States.
The best way to remember the sacrifices of fallen service members is to continue to teach our young people that freedom isn’t free; it must be defended. I think a great way to honor the fallen year-round is when you’re driving and spot “Disabled Veteran” and “Veteran” license plates. It’s a great learning moment, especially for kids. I’ve told my daughter that these are the survivors, but countless other sailors and soldiers gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy. (It’s unbelievable how many DV plates there are here in Texas!)
Clint, P&C Electrician A
Justin Cain and I met at the School of Infantry in late 2007 and were sent to the same unit once we hit the fleet. We deployed twice with 2nd Bn/5th Marines and crossed deck to a sister battalion, 3rd Bn/5th Marines, for the workup and deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan, in 2010/2011.
Justin and three others from my company were killed on October 13, 2010. Before we left Sangin in April of 2011, we had 25 of our brothers fall in combat over that 7-month period.
Life gets busy, and I have lost contact with many of my Marine brothers over the years. Still, a few of us usually make a point to reconnect over the phone on Memorial Day, reminisce about our times, and tell stories about the ones no longer with us.
Justin left a lasting impression on us; more than one of my friends even named their kids after him in his memory.
Brian, Principal ED Real Time Training Specialist
I served in the Marine Corps from 1996 to 2001. My time in service was during a rare period of peacetime when there were no conflicts or wars involving the U.S. I have no specific fallen service members whom I can say have impacted my life directly. Fortunately, all of the Marines I served beside are living lives beyond the Marine Corps. However, I know a few who have served in wars and lost brothers serving beside them. Some have suffered great long-term sacrifices they could never have expected. PTSD is real, and those who live with it deserve to be honored as well.
Memorial Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. It is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom and the courage of those who paid that price. For nearly 250 years, Americans have stepped forward to defend the ideals upon which this country was founded—liberty, justice, and the belief that all people deserve to live free. Over one million lives have been lost in that cause. Each was a son or daughter, a father or mother, a husband or wife, or a friend. Each one left behind a family, a story, and a legacy of service.
While public observances are meaningful and important, this day is also deeply personal and private for me. I reflect on the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the sacrifices made by the families who carry the weight of their absence every day. Their strength and resilience are a testament to the enduring spirit of this nation.
We may never know all their names or hear all their stories. But we can honor their sacrifice by remembering them, living lives worthy of their gift, and upholding the freedoms they fought to protect.
I am proud and privileged to have been born in a nation where so many have been willing to serve and to give everything for the sake of others. Today, we remember them. We honor them. And we say, with full hearts: thank you.