CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Several vets, including Marine Corps. Sgt. Jeff Kyle, who's brother carved out a legacy that inspired the most successful military film of all time -- "American Sniper," spoke at a Memorial Day service at the Iraq War Monument in Cape Coral, Monday.
Three fallen heroes were honored at the ceremony for paying the ultimate price. "It's to honor our fallen heroes and not us," said Michelle Rosenberger, Chair Person Iraq War Monument. "We're the ones who came home and we're the ones to honor their legacy."
Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor, Vice President Joe Biden's son U.S. Army Major Beau Biden, and Navy SEAL Chief Chris Kyle, whose life was portrayed in the popular movie American Sniper, all had dog tags made and placed on the Star of Heroes monument. Kyle's brother, Sgt. Jeff Kyle, was in Southwest Florida to place Monsoor's dog tag on the display.
He told Fox 4 that Monsoor was a dear friend to his brother. "He still holds a place in my heart. It doesn't matter when they served, or who they were with, we're still brothers and I'm honored to call them all my brothers," he said.
As Sgt. Kyle spoke about his brother Chris, he reminded guests that he was doing what he loved. "He didn't stop when he came home, and I think that's what a lot of people don't realize," he said. "How much more he put forward, how much harder he worked when he got home than what he did when he was overseas."
Chris Kyle made it his life's mission to help veterans who were suffering after he came home from war. He was tragically killed by a veteran suffering from PTSD in 2013. Now, Sgt. Jeff Kyle uses his platform to honor servicemen who have passed. "The Kyle family, we're pushing forward, and this is our passion," he said. "We appreciate everyone's support."
U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Matt Doyle also spoke at the ceremony, where he shared the story of a mission he was a part of overseas. Sgt. Doyle brought home the bodies of those who lost their lives. He said the experience will always stay with him. "What I spoke about was a particular event that I did overseas, where we brought those people who gave their lives home to the United States," he said. "It's very hard. There are times I have to hold back because it's very emotional. I see those faces over and over again of the bodies that were recovered."
Both servicemen reminded the public that while we should thank all veterans, Memorial Day is about remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
