Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and his family spent Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C., paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. In a heartfelt message shared with fans and followers, Pope expressed his deep gratitude and admiration for the sacrifices made by America’s service members.
“Proud, humbled, inspired, and GRATEFUL for these six Marines,” Pope wrote, referencing the iconic image of the flag raising on Iwo Jima. Among those Marines was Kentucky’s own PFC Franklin R. Sousley, a native of Hilltop, Kentucky, and a graduate of Fleming County High School.
Sousley was just 19 years old when he helped raise the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal moment in World War II. Tragically, he was killed in combat just a month later, never returning home to see the impact his bravery had on the nation.
“His courage and sacrifice, along with that of so many others, remind us of the true meaning of Memorial Day,” Pope said. “This isn’t just a long weekend—it’s a moment for all of us to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the cost at which they come.”
Coach Pope and his family visited several national landmarks over the weekend, including the Marine Corps War Memorial, where the statue immortalizes the iconic flag raising on Iwo Jima. He encouraged all Kentuckians and Americans to take time to learn the stories of local heroes like Sousley and to honor their legacies.
As Memorial Day concluded, Pope’s message resonated deeply with fans and followers alike: a powerful reminder to cherish our freedoms and remember those who paid the ultimate price for them.
