One thing you should do on Memorial Day with your family

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ben Doyle explains the true meaning of the holiday and the profound responsibilities of honoring fallen soldiers.

Doyle, a volunteer with the Iowa Members Remembrance Run, shared an intimate look into the military traditions surrounding casualties and offered straightforward guidance on how civilians can meaningfully honor the fallen.

The Duty of Remembrance

Doyle emphasized that the primary mission for veterans during Memorial Day is keeping the memories of their fallen comrades alive. He explained that this commitment is a lifelong vow shared among service members. To illustrate this duty, Doyle shared an impactful truth about the enduring legacy of service members, stating, “They’re not really gone until they’re forgotten.”

For veterans, remembering means confronting painful history and speaking openly about the specific sacrifices made in theater. Reflecting on his own experiences with the 1st Squadron of the 113th Cavalry, Doyle detailed the tragic loss of Staff Sergeant James Justice in Afghanistan. Highlighting Justice’s bravery during a high-stakes mission, Doyle recalled, “Sergeant Justice was killed out trying to identify where direct fire was coming from.”

Actionable Honor for Civilians

When asked how ordinary Iowans can best respect veterans and Gold Star families, Doyle advised against politicizing the holiday or letting fear of saying the wrong thing prevent engagement. Instead, he encouraged civilians to use modern tools to look up and share the histories of the 136 Iowans killed in action since 9/11. Urging families to actively teach the next generation about these sacrifices, Doyle emphasized, “Learn their story, take five minutes, and tell your kids about them.” Doyle noted that simple acts of acknowledgment, like attending the annual Iowa Members Remembrance Run in September, mean everything to grieving families.

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