BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — A retired U.S. Navy SEAL spoke at Blowing Rock's annual Memorial Day event, honoring those killed in service. He flew in from Florida to mark the special occasion and remind people what the holiday is about, beyond simply enjoying the leisure of the day.

What You Need To Know

  • Blowing Rock held their annual Memorial Day event this weekend

  • Sean Pybus, a retired Navy SEAL, was asked to speak at the event

  • Pybus read the names of those he knew who died in active duty

Sean Pybus is a retired vice admiral for the U.S. Navy. He spent his entire career as a Navy SEAL, and he worked in special operations. Pybus joined the ROTC to get a scholarship and money for college. Years later, he started Seal training in California, and then he traveled all over the world.

“We have lived overseas in several places: Bahrain, Germany, Belgium. I served in Hawaii and spent a lot of time in Asia,” Pybus said.

Photo provided by Sean Pybus.

He is now retired with three kids, all of whom are also in military service. He teaches for the Special Operations Command, mentoring young admirals.

“I’m also the chairman of the Navy SEAL foundation, so I travel extensively raising money for the SEAL’s foundation,” Pybus said.

Those are the reason Pybus was asked to travel to Blowing Rock to speak at the Memorial Day event.

Command Leader Albert Yount says his story is an important one. This small town remembers 21 names of people who died in service, and the events he says, are for them.

Pybus says it’s important for everyone to remember what Memorial Day is all about.

“I think they should all just spend some time in reflection. Spend some time appreciating what they have in the country,” Pybus said.