The word “memorial” is designed to focus our attention on a person who has died. They are memorialized in the form of plaques or monuments as standards to remind us of the sacrifice their lives have made. But so often those memorials become blurred and the impact of the sacrifice wanes in the face of time. But that is never the case for those who have served alongside the brave men and women that have made that sacrifice. For them, Memorial Day is not about ballgames and picnics, its a day that always replays many bittersweet memories.

My family has many in its history that have stood on the battlefield from my great, great, great grandfather Thomas Mitchell who served with General Tyler at the battle to Tippecanoe to those who fought in the Civil War, both World Wars, Korea and Viet Nam. The words ring true in our family… all gave and some gave all. For me, Memorial Day is a very personal day of remembrance for two men that I loved and especially honor, a family member and a shipmate.

Sgt. Ellston R. Mitchell, US Army… My father’s younger brother was wounded on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and was wounded again in Korea, which ultimately took his life when I was only 8 years old. I learned the meaning of Memorial Day from my family as my uncle was remembered and honored in our home. This day always brings back memories of his presence in my life and the day of his funeral… the first funeral I ever remember our family having. “Uncle Bob” always made time for me and I try to remember to make time for him on this day.

LCDR Michael W. Doyle, US Navy… Mike was a roommate, a shipmate, a fellow warrior, and a dear friend during a very special time in my life. We shared the brotherhood of Naval Aviation during a very difficult time in the history of this country. Although we flew in different squadrons, the USS Kitty Hawk was our home during those many months as was the beach during those months in between. And along with our shipmates we shared a strong belief and dedication to what were doing for our country. Today I, along with the others, still have the same lingering question… why was it Mike that didn’t come back to the ship from his mission that day and not me? Why is my name on the title of my home and his is on a black wall in Washington DC? Those with whom I served still hold that question deep within and it always comes to the surface on Memorial Day. For Harry Monroe Mitchell and Effie May Mitchell, two sons went to war and one son came home… they both gave and one gave all he had to give.

For those who served and their families, Memorial Day is a deeply personal day of remembrance. And so I ask you to take time today to reflect on those who have given their lives for this great country and for you. They may be family members, friends, acquaintances, or they may be names on a marker or an ebony wall that you read in passing. Take a moment and thank them for their sacrifice and remember the families that the endured and suffered their loss. Take time to thank the living that have served and are serving today, the men and women who ensured that you would be “free” to enjoy this Memorial Day.

To my brothers in arms who didn’t come back and to those who share their memories with me, I am proud to call you my brothers. You are the ones that hold a special part of my heart… Fair Winds and Following Seas.