COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s been more than a dozen years since Marine Officer Travis Manion was killed by enemy fire in Fallujah.

“He was on his second deployment and our family certainly knew the risks, while on the violent streets of Fallujah. But the news of his loss was the worst moment of our lives,” said Ryan Manion, Travis’ sister and president of the Travis Manion Foundation. 

What You Need To Know


  • Memorial Day is recognized across the country as a tribute to the men and women who lost their lives protecting our freedom

  • While many ceremonies across the country have moved online amid the pandemic, the message remains the same

  • Leaders at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum honored the memory of Travis Manion, who was killed by enemy fire in Fallujah in 2007

Manion was one of several service members honored during a ceremony in Columbus Monday.

But this service was noticeably different from year’s past. 

With no mass gatherings still allowed,  it went virtual— like just about everything else these days. 

“All about those who have given their life in the service of our country, from all services, from all the times. And so today we honor them and we remember them,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter. 

While the ceremony was toned down, Marine Officer Manion’s legacy lives on through a foundation bearing his name.

The Travis Manion Foundation has 150,000 members and works to empower veterans and families of fallen heroes. 

“Carrying forward their example of selfless service and love of country, is a way to ensure that their spirit lives on, not just on Memorial Day, but every day,” said Manion. 

Lieutenant General Ferriter says Travis' story reminds us that as Americans, our freedom isn't free.

“And he told his sister just before he deployed this last time, he said, you know, if not me, then who? And that's the beauty of our young men and women of service who really say, I'll stand between evil and you, and I'll protect you,” said Lt. Gen. Ferriter. 

And although more than 500,000 service men and women have died serving our country since World War II, their selfless acts and sacrifice will continue to inspire.

“It is about doing more. It is about living your life the way they would ask and want you in service to someone else. And so, it's not necessarily a sad day when you view it through the lens of an opportunity to take care of other people and do it because you know they're still watching from above,” said Lt. Gen. Ferriter. 

You can watch the entire 2020 Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony here.