For the past 10 years, my dad has quietly stood on Memorial Day with a sign that reads, “It’s Not Free.” Not for recognition. Not for applause. But to honor the 1.4 million Americans who gave their lives for our freedom.
What began as one quiet act of remembrance has touched millions across the country and become a powerful reminder that Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It is a day of remembrance, gratitude, sacrifice, and honor.
My dad served six years in the United States Marine Corps and 35 years with the Greensboro Fire Department. On Memorial Day 2016, for the first time, he stood at the corner of West Wendover Avenue and Lanada Drive with two simple signs that read, “It’s Not Free.” His sole purpose was to honor those who gave their last full measure of devotion for this country.
After a story on Fox8 aired about him, emails began pouring in from families across the country, Gold Star families whose loved ones had fallen in conflicts ranging from World War II to Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of the messages would bring you to your knees. The pain, the pride, the sacrifice, it was overwhelming. My dad knew then that what started as a one-time act of remembrance would continue for years to come.
During those early years, because my dad stands silently at attention for two hours without speaking, my cousin, Sgt. Dale Nix of the Greensboro Police Department, would quietly position himself in the parking lot of Tripps (now Creek Stone) to ensure no one approached him from behind. At noon, when my dad stepped away, Dale would always call out, “Hey Uncle Skip, I’ve got your six.”
On December 30, 2023, Sgt. Nix was killed in the line of duty. To honor him, a medal sign featuring a police officer saluting now stands behind my dad each Memorial Day, a visible reminder that Dale still has his six.
In August 2024, from that loss and tragedy, a ministry called “Got Your Six” was born at Life Community Church. What began with a committee of 12 has grown to 166 active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders representing every branch of service, along with fire, law enforcement, and EMS. It has become a place where those who serve can gather, talk openly, and truly understand one another.
Memorial Day 2025 marked yet another meaningful milestone. Retired Lt. General (3-Star) Jim Vechery of the U.S. Air Force stood alongside my father in quiet solidarity, honoring the fallen together. As they stood at attention, six Greensboro police cars slowly passed by with their lights illuminated in salute, a powerful tribute reminding everyone present that service recognizes service and sacrifice is never forgotten.
This Memorial Day marked my dad’s 10th and final year standing from 10 a.m. to noon at Wendover and Lanada. His dream is to see someone standing in every county across North Carolina on Memorial Day, reminding people what this long weekend truly means.
It feels especially fitting that this year marks America’s 250th birthday. My dad has always reminded us of two things: without Memorial Day, there could never have been a Fourth of July, and freedom isn’t free. Without men and women willing to give their lives, there would be no birthday to celebrate.
What began as a one-time act of remembrance has become a movement of honor, unity, and healing. Veterans now stop to salute him. Families take photos. Strangers pull over simply to say thank you. And through it all, my father stands quietly, not for recognition or applause, but out of reverence for those who gave everything. My dad is a man of deep character and unwavering faith, and he fully embodies the United States Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, “Always Faithful.”
So today and everyday, we remember them. We honor them. And to every Gold Star family carrying the weight of loss today, we stand with you. 🇺🇸
Freedom isn’t free.
