ROSSFORD, Ohio — For a lot of people, Memorial Day isn't about the cookouts, the day off work or the parades, instead it's about honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice like Marine Sgt. David Christoff.
"The whole family misses him every day,” said David Christoff Sr. “And Mr. DeWine was right 13 years ago when he said 'It doesn't get any easier.'"
The elder Christoff has dozens of flags flying in his yard and among them, a gold star.
It's been 13 years and five days since his son was killed in Iraq. Christoff never even got to take off his uniform, which he passionately pursued after 9/11 in 2001.
"He said he was going to get those guys who knocked them buildings down," recalled Christoff's dad of his conversation with his son about joining the Marines.
Christoff was a hard worker and felt called to join the Marine Corps at just 21 years old. Determined, he knew he needed to be boots on the ground, fighting for our country.
He served his first tour in Fallujah helping Iraqi’s earn the right to vote. It was a point of pride.
The Marine knew he needed to help the Iraqi children so he went back to serve a second tour, but this one he wouldn’t return home.
He was killed by a roadside bomb while on foot patrol in 2006.
"There was two Marines on the porch,” the elder Christoff recalled of a frantic phone call he got.
He rushed home to find the worst news: his only child was gone.
“I said you're here to tell me something I don't want to hear,” Christoff's father said. “I collapsed and (the Marines said) 'Sir, get off the ground. We'll go in the house we'll talk.' I couldn't stop crying."
Sgt. Christoff is forever 25 and now lies among thousands of other heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.
Before his death, he earned multiple awards for valor, two Purple Hearts, among other accolades. In the end, he was a decorated Marine, who won't be forgotten.
"David wanted to do something bigger than himself and he definitely did," his dad said.
His name now lives on in dozens of memorials like on State Route 65 in Rossford where he was raised and his dad still lives.
While his dad admitted days like Memorial Day are difficult reminders of their loss, he said it’s also a day of pride for Christoff's selfless service.
Still today, the Christoff family hosts a golf outing to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund. They have raised more than $170,000 to date in the Marine's name.
All his family asks of people this Memorial Day is that they slow down, remember those lost and support them.
"It's okay to support the veteran's and those serving today,” the elder Christoff said. “Fly your flag."
He said he hopes you'll join him, raising the next generation to understand and appreciate the flag and the lives that were lost fighting for the freedom it represents.
