Honoring Fallen Heroes: The True Meaning of Memorial Day

As communities across the nation prepare to honor America's fallen heroes this Memorial Day, one Hillsborough County mother continues to share the story of her son's sacrifice to show others the true meaning behind the holiday.

Lorrie Fleming will speak during Hillsborough County's 29th Annual Memorial Day Observance on Sunday, where veterans, families, and residents will gather at Veterans Memorial Park to remember service members who died while serving the United States.

For Fleming, Memorial Day is deeply personal. Her son, Sgt. Terry Lisk, joined the U.S. Army in 2003 following the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S. He was killed while serving in Iraq on June 26, 2006, at 26 years old. Nearly 20 years later, Fleming says her son's name lives on through her.

"It's very emotional," said Fleming. "He loved his country and he was proud of his military service. I believe he would be proud that I'm carrying on his legacy."

As a Gold Star Mother, Lorrie Fleming has dedicated herself to honoring fallen service members and supporting other military families navigating unimaginable loss. She now serves as Department President for Florida and Puerto Rico with American Gold Star Mothers. The organization was founded in 1928 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028. Fleming says the organization offers a community for grieving mothers whose children made the ultimate sacrifice.

"When you lose a child, you never get over it. There's a hole in your heart forever," said Fleming. "When you're around the other mothers in the organization, you feel safe. It's a sisterhood and we know we can count on each other."

Garden of Gold

Sunday's observance at Veterans Memorial Park will feature the Garden of Gold display, a moving tribute featuring nearly 50 flags representing service members who died during military service. For families like Fleming's, the display serves as a visible reminder that every flag represents a life, a family, and a sacrifice that continues long after the battlefield.

As for Memorial Day, Fleming says it's important for everyone to remember why America observes the holiday.

"I hope that people remember why we're free," said Fleming. "Remember that freedom is not free and there is a price. Our children paid that price so we can live in this great country that we have."

Hillsborough County Memorial Day Observance

The Hillsborough County 29th Annual Memorial Day Observance will take place Sunday, May 24, at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The event will feature guest speakers, patriotic tributes, and remembrance ceremonies honoring fallen military members.

Event features:

• Special guests, including Maj. Gen. John Gronski, Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Ottenwess, and American Gold Star Mothers
• Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), rifle salute, and taps
• On-site resources for veterans and military families
• Refreshments and fellowship following the ceremony

Residents are encouraged to attend and join the community in honoring the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the nation.

Learn more about the event, as well as Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum. For veterans, Hillsborough County's Veteran Community Services offers a wide variety of free assistance for all veterans, their dependents, and survivors, including help with accessing federal, state, and local benefits. Visit the Veteran Community Services Offices page or more information.