Mike Stokely died in Iraq on August 16, 2005, victim of an IED.
I dedicated my service in Iraq to his memory and his character on January 23, 2006. Mike was a fellow Georgian.
This Memorial Day, Mike’s dad has a message for us all.
To be very honest with you, I can’t claim to have placed the proper focus on this important weekend in so many years in the past. But, this year I have a new perspective, to say the least. Sadly, it probably took my son Mike dying in Iraq to make this holiday a time to truly focus on what Memorial Day means. No doubt, I’d rather be remembering “someone else’s” fallen soldier. But, I also recognize that the lineage of fallen soldiers is one of privilege for the fallen’s family members. No soldier wills to die in battle, nor does a family hope such privilege is accorded them. But, as the dad of a fallen soldier, I can say that I recognize such privilege is given me and our family for who else would it be given if we chose not to accept it? SGT Mike Stokely is an example of a life lived well, boldly committed and bravely given.
Mike if you’re out there somewhere watching us, thank you for your sacrifice. I think of you often.