Saturday morning, I got up early to take our son to football practice. At 9:15 there was a knock on the door, and I figured it was a neighbor.

But it wasn’t.

The 29th of September. 9:15 that morning. That’s when I learned my husband was killed in action during the war of Iraq.
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No matter how many years pass, it’s never easy. Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for our fallen service members, is never easy.

For some, Memorial Day is being viewed as a nice long weekend with bar-b-ques, and summer kick-off. And that’s okay, as long as we also keep in mind that this is a day we honor our men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s my hope that by sharing my story, and perhaps some of my pain, that it helps to bridge that gap. Unless you have been impacted, you will not understand the feeling of getting that knock on your door, only to see two armed servicemen standing on the other side.
I’ve grieved. But the most important thing I want to tell people is that I don’t grieve any more. Rather, I honor.

As we celebrate, let’s remember our fallen heroes– and the families of the fallen.

I’m often asked how to do this? Simple, just say “Thank You”. I don’t think we understand how powerful a simple, spoken expression of gratitude can be for Gold Star families.

I know it can feel uncomfortable. I understand. That’s why I’m sharing my story, because it’s not as simple as what you may have seen on TV. If you talk to me, or any Gold Star family, you may not realize it, but you may be helping individuals with their mental health when you allow them to share their story.

For me, it’s hard to go back and reflect on that day, but I know there is purpose in knowing that my story , like many others will help you better understand the impact of Memorial Day.

About the Author

Dr. Latrese Dixon ,PhD, is a Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services Blue and Gold Star Family Partner, a National non-profit that takes its name from her husband, Army Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon. He was killed in action while serving in Iraq in 2007. The Center isn’t named in memory of Donnie. It’s named to honor his values – loyalty and duty, respect and honor, integrity, and courage. Qualities that America’s military holds dear.

This column originally ran May 22, 2019 via Inside Sources and in our own newsletter.