This Is A Way To Keep The Memory Of A Friend Living Forever

I am a navy corpsman who recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 and was wounded in action. One of my best friends was killed in action, LCPL Kelly, I was the corpsman working on him when he passed away. This is a way to keep LCPL Kelly to live on forever.

Nicholas

To Replace My Lost Bracelet

My very young son at the time in '73 accidentally picked up my first bracelet and threw it out with some his toys....I didn't realize he was "playing" like that until I couldn't find it and noticed he threw a stuffed doggie in his diaper pail....they had diaper deliver back then!!! I figured since I could not find the bracelet that it went the "way of the doggie" too. I didn't replace the bracelet with another "name" bracelet; instead I bought a hand wrought silver thin cuff bracelet that summer that I have been wearing ever since then; over 30 years, in memory of all who were lost or missing in Vietnam. For some reason this year I decided for this Memorial Day I wanted to replace the bracelet I lost....I am wearing it proudly. It is my constant reminder that life is too short and should be treasured each day; and I pray for those who are still fighting for freedom.

For A Friend Of Mine

The reason I got this is he was a high school friend of mine and we were in Nam together not on the same ship but over there. I was there a couple years before he was. He was a pilot and when taking off of a carrier the engines flamed out and he went down into the gulf never to be found. He and his twin brother and I were close in high school and were on the wrestling team together. Tony always wanted to someday become the president of the United States and you know what he probably would have made it and would have been an excellent president.

Memorial Day Rememberance Gift

Our family has been blessed many times over, having relation of one sort, or another serve in the military, only losing two in war, a cousin, (KIA VietNam,1968), my brother,(KIA VietNam,1969). Losing my brother was very hard on us, my Father could not work for months, as he took ill, my Mother, as her Father Had passed away 6 days prior: so I am constantly looking for things to honor my brother, and for what he, (as every other vet), stands for. Anyways, I 'stumbled' upon your web site, and, thought that Mother, (Father passed 5 years ago), would like to have this for a "Mothers day/Memorial day" rememberance gift, she will receive it tonight when I take her out for supper. Thank You on a superb job on these bracelets. Father always said, "None of our Boys died in vain as long as they are rememberd as soldiers, whom fought, and died for our freedoms." Let none of ever forget.

William

I Know The Sacrifice That The Men And Women Make Serrving Their Country

Serving in the United States Navy, I know the sacrifice that the men and women make serrving their country. I wanted to be reminded everyday and to remind people everyday that there are still toops overseas serving their coutnry and to remind them to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. The reason that I picked SN Pabolito Pena Briones Jr, is because I was a Seaman when I was medically discharged from the navy. I wanted to wear a bracelet of somebody that was in the navy and then to find somebody that had died for their country and the same rank as me, was really neat.

To Wear The Bracelet Inscribed With His Name Is A Honor And A Privilege

LTC Michael E McLaughlin was our son and his whole family is very proud of the sacrifice he made to help keep this country safe but to also help the people of Iraq obtain some of the freedoms we take for granted. He was making history in that part of the world. In six short months he gained the trust of the local tribal leaders and convinced them to have members of their tribes to volunteer for the police force and the Army. There were over 750 Iraqi civilians who came to volunteer because of LTC MAC efforts. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Combat Action Badge, the Purple Heart, The War on Terrorism Medal, and the Iraq Freedom Medal. To wear the bracelet inscribed with his name is a honor and a privilege.

Dan

Showing Our Respect At His Grave

My wife and I are leaving Saturday for Washington D.C. and Rolling Thunder will visit Scott's grave at Arlington while we are there. All in all there will be seven bikes going in our group and I think six of us will be wearing a bracelet with Scott's name.

For My Husband David

I love the bracelets, I wear everyday.  David was my husband.  It makes me feel closer to him.  And we need to honor the men and women that are fighting over there everyday.  I never thought day would come when they showed up at me door.  But it did and now all I can is honor him and let his girls know everything about him.  He left behind a 8 year old and a 9 month old.  So I owe it to him to let his children know what a great man he was.  

So thanks for the bracelets.  

There great.  

Amy K.

I'll Wear It In honor Of Sgt. Keith Maupin

Wearing it is very humbling for me. When I was a teenager I had a POW bracelet during the Vietnam War. I remember how close it made me feel to the guys who were over there. I didn't really understand the war at that time; shoot, who does understand war? I was young and it wasn't really talked about in my home. I just know I felt a connection then and I feel a connection now and NEED to show my support. No matter how small.

I'll wear it in honor of Sgt. Keith Maupin, his brothers in arms and our country.

He Is From My Home Town

The reason I purchased the Kenneth Pease Bracelet. He is from my home town and went to school in the same school I attended. When he got killed in Vietnam I was only 11 but remember the sadness among the community. There was a plaque in the school "in Memory" of Kenneth. The school burned back several years ago. And I was working for the Mayfield Fire Department. The Volunteer Departments called and needed assistance. I was not on duty that night but heard the fire call so I responded from my house in personal vehicle. When I reached the school the front (office) area was on fire and that was the first thing I thought of was the plaque of Kenneth in Uniform. I entered the building, with out scba, fire gear or hose line to retreive the plaque before the fire got to it. It was very smokey and very unsafe. I only thought that this young man had given his life for our country and community so I felt that I needed to save the plaque in honor of him.

I Never Want To Forget Almar

I purchased this bracelet in memory of my dear friend Almar. I met Almar at Officer Candidate School in the summer of 2004. During the first few weeks Almar and I butted heads. He thought I was being arrogant hard headed, and I thought he just hated working with a girl. After a few months we became great friends. After that summer we communicated over the phone and through emails. He was just a great person. We had great conversations about life and family. I found out about Almar death through an email my friend sent me. His death hit me hard. Of all the people I know that have been to Iraq, Almar is the only fallen Marine that I have personally know. I was and am still in disbelief that I am not going to be able to talk to him again. I never want to forget Almar.

The Bracelet Is A Token Of What She Means To Me

I ordered this bracelet in honor of my fiancée. We went all through high school together. We dated steady all through school. I graduated in 1969, and she in 1970. After one year of college, I had to go into the military due to the draft lottery was initiated. Vietnam scared her so very much and she thought I would never return. It just tore us apart. I never forgot about her. After I got back into the states, I could not find her. Her parents had moved as well. We had been neighbors as well.

After 34 years, I found her!!! Classmates.com was how we got together. I had been checking there for over 8 years before she showed up on it. I sent her a note and after four days, she called me back. Long story short she never forgot me either. She never had gotten rid of anything I had ever given her, included that diamond engagement ring. I am moving from Illinois to the Kansas City area May 5, 2006 and getting married that day. Miracles do still occur... My feet have not touched the ground since reuniting with her. This bracelet is just a token of what she means to me. I thank God for bringing us back together.

Sincerely,

Ronald

Because It Shows That Women Can Do A Man's Job

My brother is a police officer here in Chicago, and I pray for him every day...but then again I pray for those from 9-11. I am also proud of him and every other police officer out there risking their lives every day so we can have a safe neighborhood and country. Sept. 11, 2001 was the worst day America has had for many decades. I want to show my respects for those who risked their lives in New York by wearing my bracelet. I picked P.O. Moira Smith because she was the only female Police Officer from NY that died that day. And being a female my self I have even greater respects for woman because it just goes to show that women can also do a mans job... even if it does mean risking our lives for our country.

He Is A True American Hero

LTC Michael E. McLaughlin, KIA 01/05/2006 is my husband, the father to my 2 beautiful girls, and the love of my life. Mike was killed in Ramadi at the Glass Factory while organizing over 700 Iraqi police recruits. He was told that previous recruiting efforts only brought out few Iraqi men and he would no way be successful. My husband was not one person to be told "things could not or would not happen". His efforts over the 6 months he was in Iraq brought close to 1000 recruits in 2 days. Mike was the Information Operations Officer as well as the Fire Support Office for the 2nd Brigade. He basically created the guidelines for the IOO position and made friends in Ramadi with the Sheiks, community members, etc. He was making a difference as are all of our troops fighting the global war on terrorism. Wearing this bracelet is one large way I can carry on his legacy and his memory. He is a true American Hero to me and everyone who knew him.

Tammy

I Will Wear Their Names On My Wrist Proudly

The names on the bracelets were my friends from my unit who gave their life in Fallujah in Nov of 2004, and who perished in the CH-53 helicopter crash in Jan of 2005. Sgt Peralta gave his life by jumping on a grenade after being shot 6 times by insurgents in Fallujah. He saved four Marines from the blast and is currently up for the Medal of Honor. Peralta came to our unit from 1/8 after re-enlisting. He was a hard leader who was well liked amongst all of the Marines in our Company. We spent most of our time hanging out in the local bars of Wiakiki. Cpl Cohen was one of my first new guy's. He was killed by enemy fire when entering a room in Fallujah. Cohen was one of the nicest guys I have had the prvilige to meet. He would have done anything for his brothers. Cpl Grimes was an outstanding human being as well as Marine. I played on the Battalian football team with him. He had adopted the name "Grimesy" from those who knew him best. He was killed when his helo went down while transferring to another city. 1st Lt Travis Fuller was a Lt with Charlie 1/3. I was in Alpha and got to know Travis through my platoon commanders, who we would party with in town. Travis was a New Englander like my self. He was a quiet but awesome leader. He and Grimes were on the same helo. Thats my story, and I wear their names on my wrist proudly. Semper Fi.

I Will Let God Take Charge Of My Life

SFC Morrison was a friend of mine who died in an IED Explosion back in Sept. I email his wife and we have become good friends. Sometimes life seems so unfair and sometimes we question our Faith because we are so devestated by the circumstances before us that it overwhelms us but I know that we serve a Mighty General who will someday revile all this to us and regardless of the pain or the scars that this War has left in us we have made some wonderful friends along the way and with this experience I have learned to place my Faith regardless of the circumstance at the foot of the Cross and let God handle it for me because it is just too much for me to carry. I have learned that there is no substitute for the value of family and friends.

SGT Rita

For Rudy Salcido

I received my Memorial Bracelet two days ago and haven't taken it off since. I love it, it is a great way to pay tribute to a fallen solider.

SFC Rudy A. Salcido was my son's, (SPC Clifford C. Skinner) best friend and sergeant. They were both in Iraq when on November 9, 2006 the truck in which Skinner was driving and Salcido was riding in, was struck by an IED. SFC Salcido was killed and SPC Skinner was wounded.

I will wear Rudy's bracelet proudly, as he is truly an American Hero.

Sincerely,

Sharon

Luceo Non Uro

Tyler was the youngest member of my family and we all felt a little uncomfortable when he joined the army January of 2005....what with the war and all. But, that was what he felt he was meant to do and we supported him in everyway possible. In late September of 2005 he was deployed to Iraq, and on November 2nd we received news that Tyler was killed by an IED. He is our HERO. Our community showed us incredible support and kindness while we laid our young soldier to rest. He has been such an incredible inspiration to many people within our community and especially to me. I wanted to find something I could wear to keep his legacy with me at all times. I thought about getting a jacket with his army batallion's patch on it, of getting a cross necklace to wear at all times...but nothing seemed to fit the situation.

One day a soldier contacted me from Iraq through email who knew Tyler. He told me that he always wears a bracelet to remember Tyler. I asked him about it and he told me about memorialbracelets.com. The bracelets were exactly what I was looking for. Not only does it commemorate Tyler, but other people ask me about the bracelet and its a chance for me to remind others that our troops are doing an awful lot of good overseas, despite what we hear in the media and that they still need our love and support.

People then ask me about what the words engraved on my bracelet mean. When I would write letters to Tyler in basic training, I would close each letter with our family creed "LUCEO NON URO" which means "To Shine, Not Burn". If anybody demonstrated this saying, it is Tyler. I had it engraved on my bracelet under his name. So, thank you for allowing us to personalize bracelets. It means the world to me!

If Frank Is Not In Heaven Then I Have No Chance Of Making It

They are in remembrance of our nephew, Frank T. Carvill, who was killed in action on June 4, 2004. Frank, age 51, the first member of the N.J. National Guard killed since WWII, was due to leave IRAQ that day for a 2 week leave. One of the young men in his unit wanted to get home to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Frank gave up his seat for that young man. He also was the driver of the HUMVEE, but since this was his second run that day, he let someone else drive. The driver survived. Frank also survived both terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center where he worked. Frank was a very humble, giving, charitable person who is missed by his family and many, many friends. Sometimes when I prayer for his soul to be in heaven, I stop and say “if Frank is not in heaven already then I have no chance of making it. I know he is in a much better place but I miss seeing and talking to him.

Marianne

My daughter's boyfriend, Dennis J. Ferderer, was killed in action in Iraq on November 2, 2005. He and my daughter had known each other for one year. Dennis was deployed last January. He came home on leave in late September and was able to visit with my daughter his last few days before returning to duty. They planned to continue dating when he returned to Fort Benning this January. They talked to each other for about an hour on the phone early Monday morning, October 31st. It was unusual for Dennis to be able to talk that long when he called. On Thursday afternoon, just before my daughter was supposed to go take a major Biology test, a friend of Dennis' called and told her that Dennis had been killed on Wednesday. My daughter has had a hard time dealing with this loss but she was able to leave school and attend his funeral in North Dakota. His family was wonderful to her. She has returned to Georgia Tech where she attends college and is trying to catch up with what she missed and also get on with her life although she's still so sad. She keeps saying she doesn't want anything for Christmas but I think she will really like this bracelet and it will be a way to make others aware of the mounting numbers of soldiers that are dying almost every day.

To Show The World The Name In My Heart

When I was a Junior in High School a buddy of mine, then a Senior, was joining the Army and bought it for me as a reminder. I never took it off. In 4 years i took it off 5 times...2 for surgery, once it got taken off me playing basketball, and the other 2 i did it. Well I lost it at a concert and was never able to find it. So I looked in vane for a few years for a place to get a specific name. I found you, and I am very grateful to have this name back on my body, and not just in my heart.

Sincerely Jeremy

When I Saw My Cousin's Name On Your Site I Had To Have It

I have another bracelet that I purchased back in 95 at Nellis AFB, with a gentle man named SMSgt Kenneth D. McKenney from the Vietnam War, I'm not sure if you made the bracelet but it was what I have had on my wrist for a long time. Unfortunately the bracelet is of thinner quality and even though it lasted many years the time finally paid its toll. I did a google search for memorial bracelets and your site was the first one to open up, talk about luck huh. Now for the reason why I have the bracelet I have, well I'm sure we all remember 9-11, I was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Resource Protection. As soon as the first plane hit moments later we were scrambling to initiate what's called a barrier plan, its enables the base police more control of traffic and safety for those on Base. Later on throughout the day I was able to get a phone call from my mother who informed me my 3rd cousin, Brian Kinney was on board Flight 11. I have much memorabilia from Sep 11, many news articles, pictures all on a large post it Memory board but when I seen my cousins name on your site I had to have it, thank you for helping me to remember my cousin everyday.

For My Brother Who Died From Effects Of Agent Orange

Words can not express how I feel about our brave men and women who are fighting for our country. I was 10 yrs old in '67, but do remember so much from that time. My brother-in-law died in '03, due to effects of agent orange, while serving in Vietnam. I have been trying very hard to have his discharge changed from "other than honorable" and to have his medals sent to us, but keep hitting a brick wall. Joe was a Corporal in the Marines. After his death, we found letters he had written to his mother stating how scared he and his buddies were and afraid that he would not make it out. Like so many of our brave young men at that time, Joe was not a fighter, but knew he had to do his duty to protect our country. He received his "Other than honorable" discharge because he forged someone's name on leave papers and made long distance calls. When I read these charges, I was flabbergasted that he would receive such a harsh penalty. I know there are many more stories like Joe's. I am an ex-navy wife and I saw some pretty serious crimes going on in '74-'75. Seeing what I did and knowing that these crimes received a slap on the hand, it really makes me so angry that Joe received a harsh discharge while fighting, the others that in the nave were in non-combat. Go figure.

We Honor Him By Wearing This Bracelet

The 11th ACR had not been deployed since Vietnam in the 60s. It was a big deal to be deployed from the NTC which concentrates strictly on training units on todays urban warfare scenarios. Now we were put to the test. Unfortunately on 24 May 2005, we lost a great soldier and friend, SFC Randy Collins. I remember seeing him at dinner, then shortly after our FOB was attacked by mortars. He unfortanetly was hit and did not make it. So we honored him by wearing this bracelet. To show that we care and miss him.

To Salute Him For Giving The Ultimate Gift

I lost my first one from the very early 70's. Lt. Cdr Leonard Murray Lee was the name I wore and his body was finally recovered in 2000, which made me very happy and sad. I chose Gy/Sgt Edward Eugene Beck, Jr. because we were both from Canton, Ohio. He went to a high school that was a major rival of my high school. He was in the Marines, as was my husband and is almost the exact same age as the hubby too. My heart goes out to his family as he has been missing since August 9, 1969. I hope and pray that one day soon he will be found and brought home so that the family can finally have the necessary closure. I am proud to wear his bracelet and salute him for giving the ultimate gift of his young life.