From Hill Top to Hero: Mark Pope Honors Kentucky’s Own Franklin Sousley in Memorial Day Post
As Americans paused this Memorial Day to honor those who paid the ultimate price for freedom, University of Kentucky men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope took a moment to spotlight a hometown hero whose legacy still echoes through history.
In a heartfelt social media post shared on Monday, Pope paid tribute to Private First Class Franklin R. Sousley, a native of Hill Top, Kentucky, and one of the six U.S. Marines immortalized in the iconic photograph of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.
“Proud, Humbled, Inspired, and GRATEFUL for these six Marines, including Kentucky’s own PFC Franklin R. Sousley,” Pope wrote in a caption accompanying the historic image. “Born in Hill Top, Kentucky, and graduated from Fleming County High School. He was killed in combat just a month after raising the flag on Mount Suribachi at the south end of Iwo Jima.”
Sousley, only 19 at the time of his death, became a symbol of valor and sacrifice after his participation in the February 23, 1945 flag-raising was captured in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Joe Rosenthal. Though the photo was widely circulated and celebrated across the country, Sousley’s identity remained unknown to many for years. Pope’s post helped bring his Kentucky roots back into the spotlight.
“So grateful for ALL the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have served and currently serve our country,” Pope added, underscoring the broader significance of the holiday.
The tribute quickly resonated across social media, with #KentuckyWildcats and #MarkPope trending regionally as fans and veterans alike praised the coach’s thoughtful reflection.
Mark Pope, who is entering a highly anticipated season as the head of Kentucky’s basketball program, has shown a strong connection to both the Bluegrass State and its rich history. His post is part of a growing effort to connect sports leadership with civic and national remembrance, especially during solemn occasions like Memorial Day.
Sousley’s legacy lives on not just in black-and-white photographs or history books, but also in the hearts of those who honor him—from his hometown of Hill Top to the hardwood at Rupp Arena.
