05/26/2025
This Memorial Day feels different.
After attending my Uncle Doc’s funeral at Arlington, I was deeply moved by the view—the solemn rows of those who gave everything for this country. Before the service, my brother’s wife took us to visit her brother’s grave—PFC David Sharrett, who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. As I stood at his tombstone, I noticed he had not only received the Purple Heart but also the Bronze Star. I hadn’t known that before. I turned to my sister-in-law and said, “He was a hero.”
But as I looked around, I realized—they all were.
We had planned to search for more family members buried at Arlington, but time ran short, and we had to get to Uncle Doc’s funeral. He passed away last December at the age of 100, after serving 37 years in the Air Force. He flew bombers and fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. I was shocked to learn he once carried the nuclear football and worked at the highest levels of command.
Uncle Doc, my Granddad (my best friend), and Uncle Charles all went to school together—then off to war together in World War II. They were just young men answering a call bigger than themselves. They believed in a nation that stood for freedom, and they were willing to give everything for it.
What brought me the most joy at Uncle Doc’s funeral wasn’t just his incredible service to our country—it was how he finished his life. He became best known for his service to God. A faithful man, he saw his mission continue in the Lord’s army after his military career ended.
Now, Uncle Doc, Uncle Charles, and Granddad rest—awaiting the return of Jesus. They were heroes, every one of them.
I still remember just before my granddad’s final stroke, I told him, “Granddad, I want to be with you in heaven one day.” He smiled and said, “I’m planning on it, big boy!”
And so, while these heroes now rest, we live in the hope that we’ll one day be reunited—with the true freedom found in Jesus.
God bless all who have served and laid down their lives for this great country. We are forever in your debt.
Jesus is enough.
—Frank
