Honoring Service, Remembering Sacrifice, Building Community

Memorial Day is often associated with the beginning of summer. It is a long weekend spent with family and friends, the opening of pools, backyard gatherings, and the traditions that mark a new season.

But before it became any of those things, Memorial Day was established to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we believe remembrance is more than a single day on the calendar. It is reflected in the stories we tell, the people we honor, and the communities we build.

That commitment is evident at the YMCA at JT's Camp Grom.

Created as a place where veterans, wounded service members, military families, and individuals of all abilities can come together, Camp Grom was built with both intention and care. Every aspect of the camp is designed to remove barriers, creating opportunities for connection, recreation, healing, and belonging.

Across the camp, families can experience adaptive spaces, shared activities, and meaningful time together in ways that are often difficult to find elsewhere. It is a place where veterans can connect with others who understand their experiences, where families can create new memories, and where community is built through inclusion and support.

For many military families, spaces like Camp Grom represent more than recreation. They offer a sense of understanding, connection, and comfort. They serve as a reminder that the sacrifices made by service members and their families are seen and valued.

Among those helping to ensure that mission continues is Terri Dunn Campbell, a member of the YMCA at JT's Camp Grom Board of Directors.

On February 18, 2010, Terri's son, Lance Cpl. Kielin Terrell Dunn was killed by a sniper while serving in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 19 years old.

Kielin had dreamed of serving his country since the fifth grade. An honor roll student and active ROTC participant, he graduated a year early from Western Branch High School to join the United States Marine Corps. Following in the footsteps of both of his veteran parents, he served with honor and distinction.

"Nineteen years is not a long time," Terri often reflects, "but it was enough for him to live with purpose and leave a mark on the people who knew him."
While the loss of her son remains a part of her life every day, Terri has chosen to continue serving others. Through her leadership at Camp Grom, she helps create opportunities for wounded veterans, military families, and others facing challenges to find support, connection, and community.

Her story reminds us that Memorial Day is not only about remembering those who died in service. It is also about recognizing the families who continue to carry that sacrifice long after the ceremonies have ended.

"There is no one way to honor sacrifice," said Anthony Walters, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. "Sometimes it looks like telling a story. Saying a name out loud and making sure a life is remembered for who they were and what they gave. Sometimes it looks like creating spaces where people can gather, reconnect, and spend time together in ways that feel normal, even after everything has changed."

At the YMCA, both approaches matter.

Stories remind us who we are honoring. Spaces remind us how we continue to show up for the people who carry those losses.

"Memorial Day has always meant more to me than the unofficial start of summer," Walters said. "It's a day to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country and to recognize the families who continue to carry that sacrifice long after the ceremonies are over."

Over the years, Walters has had the opportunity to meet veterans and military families whose strength, humility, and commitment to service have left a lasting impression.

"Their stories are a reminder that freedom is never abstract," he said. "It comes at a very real human cost."

Through places like YMCA at JT's Camp Grom, through stories like Kielin Dunn's, and through the families who continue to honor their loved ones every day, we are reminded that remembrance is not confined to a holiday.

The spirit of Memorial Day lives on well beyond the long weekend. It lives on in the communities we build, the support we provide, and the commitment to ensuring that those who served, sacrificed, and continue to carry that sacrifice are never forgotten.