On this day...I would like to Honor:

1. 93

   habeeposted 14 years ago

   Kudos, Manly! Was this your son?

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   1. 81

      manlypoetrymanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      habee...he was my step-son. However, I was the one who has learned from his actions...and have the distinct honor to be able say so!

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2. 69

   ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years ago

   May he rest in peace, and be always remembered for the honor with which he served his country.

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3. 0

   Poppa Bluesposted 14 years ago

   I am saddened by your loss and I thank God for your stepson and the others like him that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom.

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4. 74

   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif … leroy.html
   
   
   
   I mourn your loss.  I will always remember.....

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5. 0

   Brenda Durhamposted 14 years ago

   Always thankful for those who serve America in our Military.
   I have a family member in the Marines now.
   
   Sorry for your loss, manlypoetryman.

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6. 0

   Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

   May he rest in peace proud of his sacrifices. I am sure proud of thim. thank you for sharing this MPM

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7. 0

   Madame Xposted 14 years ago

   It is because of the sacrifices of men like him that I may live free. God Bless him.
   
   Thanks for posting this Manly. I'm sorry for your loss.

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8. 59

   Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

   military members often do not get the credit they deserve~even after death.  Your loss is for our gain, thank you and I'm sorry are never going to be enough but it's all we've got.  So thank you and yes, I'm sorry for your loss.

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9. 64

   Faybe Bayposted 14 years ago

   May he rest in peace, and may his memory live on, for those who do not know what it is to fight and die for your country. He was so young, and laid up his life, for what he believed in. I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us, that we might know his selflessness; An example to all.

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10. 0

    sophsposted 14 years ago

    My thoughts are with you Manly, this brought a tear to my eye, so young to be taken away may this young honourable man rest in peace xo

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11. 59

    readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

    You have my family's deepest heart felt sorrow and ultimate respect for your son, for you and for such a great loss. The honor is ours to provide in recognition of his service and that he offered all, for our freedom and safety. Thank you.

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12. 59

    readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

    This one should stay near the top

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13. 61

    Padrinoposted 14 years ago

    "Here's health to you and to our Corps
    Which we are proud to serve
    In many a strife we've fought for life
    And never lost our nerve;
    If the Army and the Navy
    Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
    They will find the streets are guarded
    By United States Marines."
    
    From The Marine Corps Hymn

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14. 71

    AEvansposted 14 years ago

    That was wonderful!!! You have honored this young man and many blessing to you!

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15. 70

    Cagsilposted 14 years ago

    Nicely done!

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16. 76

    Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

    I don't know what to say to this thread, or how to say it, so here's the core of what I can't word well enough:
    
    Respect
    Gratitude
    Honor
    Sorrow

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17. 74

    Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

    "I owe you my life .thanks to you Im still here."
    Sgt Camron Sims of Little Rock , AR
    
    "leroy years later and I still miss you brother... may you be up there guarding the gates of heaven as you defended us here against the men from hell! you are and will always be a true friend."
    Sgt Reyna, Jose J of Camp Pendleton, Ca/ Houston, Tx
    
    "hero he was and a hero forever, im a soldier in iraq i just wanted to say thanks to leroy and his family for his sacrifice as well as there's i ran across this memorial website hey leroy i didnt get the pleasure of meeting you but i know you are still here with all of us watching are backs and showing us to saftey god bless your soul."
    PFC sehnert of kirkurk,iraq
    
    
    From the Fallen Heroes Memorial concerning Marine Pfc. Leroy Sandoval, Jr.

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18. 74

    Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

    was there right next to Leroy at his last moments as his squad leader.It's been hard to cope with the losses of the marines in my charge.But what I never got to say to Leroy was thanks for giving me the chance to keep on living.To come home to see my wife and family by you giving the ultimate sacifice.For not leaving your M-240gulf machinegun when the platoon came under an intense ambush.By you sticking to your gun and supressing the enemy gave all of us that second breath.I cannot say thank you Leroy cause that just would not be no where near enough.
    
    Sgt Camarillo/USMC
    Fox Company 3rdPlt
    2nd Blt 1st Mar"
    Pedro Camarillo Jr of Poteet , Tx USA
    
    "Leroy Was My Second Cousin...We Here In
    Fresno And Woodland California Are Very
    Proud Of Our Brave Cousin...God Bless Leroy And All Our Heros."
    Abel G. Sandoval of Fresno, California
    
    "Leroy,
    Man he was a good friend back at home when I was still living in South Houston. Man could that boy party! I miss you man. When I found out that you were taken from us I was like "Nah, can't be Leroy! He would have never joined the Marines!" But needless to say you did after me and Aaron joined. Leroy was a person you could depend on and was there for you at any time day or night. We will rally up again brother. Semper Fi Leroy..... you are missed"
    Cpl Reyna, Jose J of Camp Pendleton, Ca
    
    "Leroy Sandoval and I were good freinds in Boot Camp. I first heard about Sandoval's death while I was in Okinawa last year. I remember the goose bumps that overcame me at the thought of it. I remember Leroy probably more than any other Marine in Mike Company MCRD. The thing about Leroy is that he couldn't keep a straight serious face for the life of him. All the military bearing in the Marine Corps couldn't keep a smile off that boys face. I remember before we would go to bed, all the Marines would be lined up in rows facing eachother in our whitey tighties. Leroy was just across from me. We would make funny faces at eachother to get eachother to laugh. We would usually succeed and get the whole Platoon in trouble. Sandoval was my boot camp road dog and I'll never forget him. One time we went on a "Working party" just him and I too clean an empty squad bay. We mopped and told stories about why we joined the Corps, all our old dirt, told jokes and laughed. It was the most human I felt the entire time I was in boot camp. I remember his beady little eyes and happy smile. I can feel you up there Sandoval looking at me while I write this. You will always be remembered and you will forever be my friend.
    Rest in Peace brother, in the presence of all the angels and saints, may your soul continue towards heaven, mercy and grace grow inside you forever. Peace to your family, loved ones and all the Marines who follow you in loving memory."
    Sgt Price of Camp Pendleton, CA USA

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    1. 71

       AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Oh my goodness Arthur,
       
       How sad what an honor that you are thanking him and sending condolences to his family too.
       
       I wish to take the time and Thank you to for serving our Country, keeping all of us out of harms way and protecting our freedom. I wrote a poem on HP about our military and what it meant to be an American, amongst the hubs it is there. I am and will always be proud to be an American. Thank you again Arthur!

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       1. 74

          Arthur Fontesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          There is a special place in my heart for all our men and women in uniform.

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19. 60

    DevLinposted 14 years ago

    Semper Fi, and Rest in Peace.

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20. 81

    manlypoetrymanposted 14 years ago

    
    
    Thank you to everyone for leaving a comment about Leroy...and Thank you to All those who Serve!
    
    

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21. 0

    PrettyPantherposted 14 years ago

    He has my utmost respect.

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22. 81

    manlypoetrymanposted 13 years ago

    Thank you Leroy for your Volunteer Spirit. For your Bravery. For your Selflessness. For doing what needed to be done when you were called on! Thank you for your dedication to your own personal calling. Thank you for the laughter and smiles. Thank you for being the kind of Marine Hero...that Marine Heroes Aspire To Be! Thank you for Always being Faithful. Thank you for teaching us back home about courage, honor, and devotion. Thank you for protecting all your Marine corp buddies. Thank you for showing the enemy why it only takes One Marine to change the outcome of any Battle! Thank you for the Legacy you leave in your family, friends, classmates, and fellow Marines.
    
    There has never been a Marine quite like you...even though there are many that are similiar. You put everything on the line for what had to be done at that moment and time. I do not understand this kind of Courage in a Young Man...but that's OK.
    I didn't have to understand. You understood well enough to show the whole world. Leroy...You're Spirit is Unstoppable!
    
    Thank You, Leroy!
    
    (posted once again on: March 26, 2011)

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23. 81

    manlypoetrymanposted 12 years ago

    On March 26, 2012...I made a mistake. I usually write something about our Marine on that day. Something that I hope will be profound...Something to remember him about. However, after 8 years since he left us (on this same date) through a combat ambush in Iraq...I sat back and let it all go quiet. I did...what I so often hint at others doing...in some of my writings. I let what he did go quiet.
    
    Now...I would just like to humbly and passionately say something good for "ALL" the young people who have served us...so well! These young people volunteered for all of us around...and many did so... after 9/11. Our Marine did after 9/11...through a calling he had. Much like all our wonderful young volunteers. He put it all on the line....He went right into the fire...and he returned fire...solely by himself to aid fellow Marines with covering fire. He was a remarkable young person. And he...and all of them...should not be forgotten. It was them...not our political leadership...that went where they were told to go...and did...what they signed up to do. And I guarantee you that they gave it their "ALL"!
    
    In a Nation...that talks about who was traded here and there, what a celebrity just tweeted, and which candidate said what...heading into the election...with much excitement...We could also take the time to be reminded...for what ever War...and whatever conflict...that: "We are at we are at today...on the back's of many young people". No matter what the outcome...the young people went to serve. Serve our Country. Whatever the reason...they still went to serve us. They are our true heroes...our true celebrities. Thank you to "ALL" that serve. Thank you especially to those who gave their "ALL" for us...whatever the reason! Thank you to Leroy!
    
    "ALL Gave Some...Some Gave ALL"

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24. 59

    readytoescapeposted 12 years ago

    Here, Here
    
    Nod your head in prayer for those who have fallen, then raise your eyes to the heavens in thanks for those that serve, and never forget the sacrifice, courage and fortitude provided by so few for the liberty and Freedom of so many.
    
    Lord grant the fallen son of our friend a soldier’s peace in heaven and provide his family the solace of knowing he is in place war cannot touch, hate cannot tarnish and tranquility is forever his home.
    
    Words of prayer amidst tears from another military father, you have my greatest respect

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    1. 81

       manlypoetrymanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, readytoescape...The most important thing is exactly as you said it:
       
       "raise your eyes to the heavens in thanks for those that serve, and never forget the sacrifice, courage and fortitude provided by so few for the liberty and Freedom of so many."

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25. 77

    lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

    "First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden today marked the one year anniversary of the launch of Joining Forces with an event on the South Lawn of the White House, and Mrs. Obama used the occasion to renew her call of action, and challenged all Americans to keep finding new ways to show their support for military families."
    
    http://www.veteransnewsnow.com/2012/04/ … ul-nation/

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