Freedom Is Never Free (USS Cole (DDG-67))

There are holidays that bring celebration.

And there are days that ask us to remember.

Memorial Day is not only about the beginning of summer, cookouts, or long weekends. It is a sacred reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were purchased through sacrifice.

Through men and women who never came home.

I still remember standing at Naval Station Great Lakes during A-school when we were gathered together and told that the USS Cole (DDG-67) had been attacked in Yemen.

For many of us, the world suddenly felt different.

Seventeen Sailors lost their lives that day when terrorists attacked the USS Cole on October 12, 2000.

Today, we remember them.

• Kenneth E. Clodfelter

• Richard Costelow

• Lakeina M. Francis

• Timothy L. Gauna

• Cherone L. Gunn

• James R. McDaniels

• Marc I. Nieto

• Ronald S. Owens

• Lakiba N. Palmer

• Joshua L. Parlett

• Patrick H. Roy

• Kevin S. Rux

• Ronchester M. Santiago

• Timothy L. Saunders

• Gary G. Swenchonis Jr.

• Andrew Triplett

• Craig B. Wibberley

These were not just names.

They were sons.
Daughters.
Friends.
Shipmates.
People with futures, families, dreams, and stories still being written.

And they paid the ultimate price in service to this country.

Memorial Day reminds us that freedom has always carried a cost. Every generation has had people willing to stand watch, sail into danger, and sacrifice their tomorrow for people they may never meet.

May we never become so comfortable with freedom that we forget what it cost.

And may we always remember those who gave everything so others could live free.

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