Yesterday, Memorial Day, was celebrated in different ways in Oxford and around the nation.
For some, it was little more than a day off and a chance to cook outside and enjoy the beautiful sunshine.
But for others, it was an opportunity to remember the nation’s war dead. And for even a more select group, it was a bittersweet reminder of a lost family member, loved one or friend. A fond remembrance and respectful salute to someone who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.
For me, it was a chance to recall a man I only met as a first-grader. My godfather Bill Mullen was a Marine Corps fighter pilot and my Dad’s best friend. My Dad, a Naval aviator himself, flew with Bill often as instructors in Pensacola, Fla.
Bill Mullen was shot down over Laos in his A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft in the early 1960s. It took the Pentagon a number of years to finally declare him dead, bringing some sense of closure to his wife Barbara and two sons.
Bill is who I think of on Memorial Day. I would challenge you, next year, amid the celebrating and fun to spend a few minutes thinking about the purpose of this holiday.
Here are a few photos taken by Sharon Hays, HottyToddy.com staff photographer that may bring the true meaning of Memorial Day home to you:
Andy Knef is editor of HottyToddy.com. Sharon Hays is a staff photographer.
