Wounded Warner Robins Marine reflects on service, sacrifice at Memorial Day event

WARNER ROBINS — Memorial Day is seen as the unofficial start of summer, and while many celebrate the long weekend with a vacation or barbecue, the city of Warner Robins remembered those who gave all with a ceremony.

On Monday morning, the city hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at historic Magnolia Park Cemetery, which has gravesites dating back to the Civil War. 

City leaders and veteran service organizations gathered to pay tribute to military servicemembers who died while serving in the Armed Forces. A sizable tent was overflowing with guests as cloudy skies rolled over Warner Robins.

Symbolic acts included the presentation of the colors, a wreath laying, name reading and playing “Taps.” 

Cpl. Tony Mullis, a Warner Robins native who served in the Marines from 2008 to 2012, was the event’s keynote speaker. After training as a combat engineer, he was assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and deployed twice to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2009 and 2011.

During his second deployment, Mullis was leading a patrol when he found an improvised explosive device and moved his team to safety. The device exploded, injuring Mullis, who underwent extensive surgery and lost both of his legs. 

Lance Cpl. Ronald Freeman, who was assigned to the same battalion, encountered an IED in a separate incident in Helmand Province, sacrificing himself to save his infantry. He was killed in action just 10 days after the birth of his son.

Mullis said in his speech that he remembers Freeman for his ultimate sacrifice. Mullis was fortunate to see his children grow up but Freeman never did.

On Monday, the cemetery was lined with flowers and flags. They’re common tokens of remembrance, but Mullis said they are much more than a symbol.

“See these flags out here? I don’t want you to see flags. I see human beings standing there: a dad, a mom, a sister, a brother. There’s a lot they give for our freedom,” Mullis said.

Ten years after he joined the Marines, Mullis traveled to the site of the Battle of Belleau Wood, a significant battle in France during World War I.  The grave markers on the battle site are also symbols of remembrance for Mullis.

Mullis takes lessons from the battle and passes them to his family. He spoke boldly at the ceremony, although he admitted he was nervous about his appearance on Monday.

“When you look at that name and read that name, it relates to you. It’s your freedom they fought and died for,” Mullis said. “That’s one of my favorite battles of courage. I preach to my kids all the time that courage doesn’t mean not being scared or being nervous to talk. Courage can be anywhere.”

Mullis said Memorial Day is one of his favorites because he sees unity across military communities as they honor and remember the fallen. He also encouraged those attending to teach younger generations the significance of military service.

“I want us to understand what today means and what we’re here for. Most of us do, but we have to pass it on to our younger generation. Freedom isn’t free,” Mullis said. “When I look at my family, I haven’t given a lot, but when I look at everyone’s flags, no matter what that date is, I can only imagine that being my life [represented] on that grave.”