Memorial Day

Honoring Those Who Fought for Our Freedom

I’ll be honest with you—like a lot of folks, I’ve been guilty of letting Memorial Day sneak by as vacation weekend to kick off summer. A time to fire up the grill, head to the cabin, or celebrate the first real ride out on the boat. It’s easy to let the meaning of these holidays slip to the background when we’re wrapped up in daily life. But today, I want to pull it back to the forefront.

Memorial Day isn’t just a holiday. It’s a day of honor and acknowledgment, a time to remember the men and women who fought—and often gave everything—to defend the American people and the ideals we hold dear. I want to take a moment to highlight individuals—some whose names you probably know, and some whose stories may surprise you—who’ve embodied bravery, sacrifice, and the spirit of justice in their own powerful ways.

1. Audie Murphy

Audie Murphy is often called the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II. By the age of 19, this Texas farm boy had earned every military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, including the Medal of Honor. During a battle in France, Murphy famously mounted a burning tank destroyer and single-handedly held off an entire company of German soldiers for over an hour—despite being wounded. He then led a counterattack that pushed the enemy back. After the war, Murphy openly spoke about his struggles with what we now know as PTSD, using his platform as an actor and author to advocate for veterans’ mental health. He showed us that courage doesn’t end when the battle is over—it continues in the fight for healing.

2. Harriet Tubman

While many know Harriet Tubman as the fearless leader of the Underground Railroad, fewer realize she also served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Tubman worked as a nurse, scout, and spy, using her knowledge of covert routes to guide Union raids into Confederate territory. She was the first woman to lead an armed military operation in the United States, liberating more than 700 enslaved people in the Combahee River Raid. Tubman’s story isn’t just about freeing people—it’s about redefining what freedom means and using every ounce of her strength and skill to bring others with her.

3. Monica Lin Brown

Fast forward to the Afghanistan War, where Monica Lin Brown, at just 19 years old, became only the second woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star. As a combat medic, Brown shielded her fellow soldiers with her body while under enemy fire, moving through open ground to save the wounded after a roadside bomb attack. Her actions remind us that bravery isn’t confined to history books; it’s alive and present today, carried by young men and women who step into danger not because they love war, but because they love the people standing next to them.

These next few veterans are included for personal reasons as their legacy's still live on deeply within my family....

5. Joseph "Jumping Joe" Beyrle

Joseph "Jumping Joe" Beyrle’s story is one of the most remarkable of World War II. Beyrle was the only known American soldier to fight in both the U.S. Army and the Soviet Red Army. After parachuting into France with the 101st Airborne on D-Day, he was captured by the Germans, escaped twice, and eventually joined a Soviet tank battalion, continuing to fight until the end of the war. His resilience, adaptability, and sheer will to keep fighting stand as a testament to the unpredictable paths of heroism.

6. Herman Keizer Jr.

Herman Keizer Jr., a largely unsung hero of World War II, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines. Kaiser, serving as a Navy signalman, braved intense enemy fire to deliver critical messages that turned the tide of the battle, ensuring reinforcements reached the front lines. His cool-headed determination under pressure and refusal to abandon his post, even when severely wounded, saved countless lives and made him a quiet but powerful symbol of steadfast courage. On a more personal note, he’s also the only person I’ve ever known who fell out of a helicopter and not only bounced—but survived. That resilience, both on and off the battlefield, makes his story unforgettable.

7. Mark J. "Dutch" Aukeman

Mark J. Aukeman, also known as "Dutch," served proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an aviation structural mechanic. His assignments included service in the Philippines and with PATSU 1-3 on Owi Island, part of the Schouten Islands in present-day Indonesia. As an aviation structural mechanic, Dutch’s work was essential to keeping the fleet's aircraft mission-ready, ensuring that every engine, control system, and weapon was properly maintained even under the most intense wartime pressures. While awaiting discharge, he was stationed on Owi Island, continuing his meticulous work and supporting the broader Allied operations in the Pacific. His role required technical mastery and relentless attention to detail, as even the smallest malfunction could mean the difference between life and death for pilots and crew. In recognition of his service, Mr. Aukeman participated in Mission 12 of the Talons Out Honor Flight in September 2017, a program that honors veterans by providing them with trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials dedicated to their service.

8. Eugene A. Sloan

Eugene Anthony Sloan proudly served in the U.S. Navy, dedicating himself to protecting his country and supporting his fellow sailors through difficult missions. As a gun operator on the Navy ship deck, Sloan was responsible for manning one of the ship’s vital defensive weapons during combat. On one occasion, his ship was struck by enemy fire, violently throwing sailors into the ocean. Despite the chaos and danger, Eugene bravely helped rescue several injured sailors from the water, working alongside his crewmates to pull them to safety and ensure they received urgent medical attention. His courage and dedication earned him multiple commendations, including the Navy Commendation Medal recognizing his service during World War II. 

9. James F. Cable

Known affectionately as "Bud" among family and fellow soldiers, Staff Sergeant James Cable served with distinction in World War II as part of the U.S. Army’s parachute branch. As the war shifted to the Pacific Theater, Bud was assigned to a unit for airborne operations in Japan, where they were to parachute behind enemy lines as part of the planned Allied invasion. These missions required not only physical skill and courage but also exceptional mental resilience, as they faced some of the most dangerous combat conditions of the war. Bud’s readiness, leadership, and unwavering dedication reflected the very best of military service. 

10. John Gerling

John P. Gerling was a proud member of the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving with distinction during World War II. As a Technical Sergeant, Gerling was responsible for supervising the maintenance of B-17 bombers, ensuring that these legendary aircraft were flight-ready for dangerous missions. Not only did he oversee ground operations, but when he flew in a B-17, he served as both the crew chief and the top gunner—a role requiring both expert technical knowledge and immense personal bravery. Operating in the bomber compartment meant facing constant threats: anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighter interceptions, and the ever-present risk of mechanical failure at high altitudes. Gerling's dedication to both his aircraft and his crew earned him the deep respect of his peers. His story reminds us that behind every successful mission were individuals whose commitment and skill were the backbone of the Allied victory.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, over 1.3 million American service members have died in the line of duty since the founding of our country. Currently, more than 1.2 million Americans actively serve in the military, with an additional 800,000 in reserve components, standing ready to defend the freedoms we often take for granted.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re families, communities, and lifetimes dedicated to service.

But freedom isn’t just about the absence of oppression. It’s about justice. It’s about the people who stand up, again and again, to protect the rights we claim to value—whether that’s on a battlefield overseas or in the struggles for equality and fairness here at home.

As a man, I’ve spent years reflecting on what it means to protect, to stand strong, and to carry responsibility. Strength isn’t just about muscle or weapons—it’s about resilience, about standing between harm and the people you love. It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to lead with peace.

Today, let’s take a pause from the barbecue or the boat launch to reflect on what it means to live in a country where so many have laid down their lives for the idea of freedom. And let’s remember that honoring them isn’t just about waving flags—it’s about asking ourselves if we’re upholding the values they fought for.

Freedom and justice for all. Those words aren’t just stitched into the fabric of our flag—they’re stitched into the legacy of every man and woman who believed this country could live up to its highest ideals.

I stand in gratitude—for those who fought, for those who never made it home, and for those who continue to carry the weight of our freedom on their shoulders.

Stay strong. Stay grateful.

— Troy Rienstra