Mark Pope honors fallen heroes on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer with pools opening and grills cooking up feasts with cold drinks in the sunshine — but none of that matters in comparison to what the holiday actually recognizes. It’s a day to remember, mourn and honor the men and women who have died serving in the U.S. military, heroes making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Mark Pope spent his Memorial Day paying his respects with his wife, Lee Anne, and his daughters, Layla and Shay, at Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington Ridge Park in Virginia. There, the Pope family took a photo in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial, which features a man from Kentucky — Private First Class Franklin Runyon Sousley of Hill Top — as one of six to raise the second of two U.S. flags on top of Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
It’s one of the most iconic photos in U.S. history, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, brought to life as the centerpiece of the memorial.
“Proud, Humbled, Inspired, and GRATEFUL for these six marines including Kentucky’s own PFC Franklin R. Sousley born in Hill Top, Kentucky and graduated from Fleming County High School,” Pope wrote on social media. “He was killed in combat just a month after raising the flag on Mount Suribachi at the south end of Iwo Jima. So grateful for ALL the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served and currently serve our country.”
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Pope was spotted by a Kentucky fan, Craig Brunson, during his time with his family at Arlington National Cemetery. He stopped for a picture, Brunson sharing the moment on KSR’s Bond That Bridge, So To Speak Facebook page on Memorial Day.
“Spent the day at Arlington National Cemetery paying respect to the heroes who’ve gone before us, and ended up meeting one my current ones,” Brunson said.
Well done, Coach.
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