Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"shark attack game"
Jim Harxmon of Manchester

"I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. As the daughter of a Marine, I know the pride a family has for their loved one making the commitment to serve our country and protect our freedoms. Your family has endured the greatest sacrifice ..the loss of life. No words can ever make up for this loss. What made this even more tragic was the shameful way David's sacrifice was handled by the armed forces. I just saw the news report tonight on TV and am deeply troubled by what I heard. I am hopeful that something has been done or will be done to rectify this injustice. As I was watching the news report, I recognized the photo and video of Deb. I don't know if she remembers me, but I taught some classes in Elk River and Zimmerman that I believe she attended. Again, my deepest sympathy and sheer gratitude to you and your family. May God's love bring peace to you."
Pam Moriarity of Big Lake, MN

"I recently learned of the facts of HM3 Cedergren's death. I worked with David at Naval Hospital Cherry Point, and later met with him again at the end of my tour in Iraq in 2004. Last time we talked was just at the end of August 2004 in Al Taqaddum, Iraq. I always remember his dedication to his Marines, and how humble and trustworthy he was. Definitely the corpsman or friend you wanted to be with when the situation called. David will always be admired and remembered."
HM2 (FMF) Moya (-2007) of Brandon, MS/US

"To the family of:David A. Cedergren
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"I do not know if I have the right family, but I wanted to let you know I wear the InOurHearts.org bracelet in honour of HM3 David Cedergren, USN, KIA 11 September 2004, Babil Province, Iraq, and have been for almost 2 years. He served with my nephew, HM2 Rex Shoemaker. Please let me know; if I have the wrong family, perhaps you could provide me more info than was provided on the website, if you so desire. Thank you, Anne"
Anne K. Miller Duenas of Alexandria, VA, USA

"Last night I saw a preview of a story on the news about David. I grew up with him in Zimmerman in west hunter lake. All night all I could think about was walking around the block, watching the stars while sitting on the dock and playing chess over at Gaylens house. He was the most wonderful person I have ever known. I miss him every day. He always used to tease me that he would always be older than me, and it makes me so sad that he was wrong. I wish I could hear him say that still."
Jennifer Oelke of Foley, MN

"It was an honor to serve with Dave in Field Medical Service School (October 2003). He was assigned as our platoon's squad-leader for a short time and a great leader he was. He definately had a talent for keeping his younger guys out of trouble and was well respected by the six of us. We could always count on Ceed to be there for us. You will be missed, brother."
William Burgette of Annapolis, MD/USA

"Dave was the best cousin that you could ever have...so close to us like a brother. He was also my oldest son's godfather. Now that we know what happened over there it doesn't make it easier but explains why someone so healthy and loving and cherished has left us. We miss you more every day and hold all of our memories with you close. We love you DAVE!! Save us all a space up there and when we all arive I can only imagine the party!!"
Tambi Norris of Rochester, MN

"Memorial Day, 2008
To the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class David A. Cedergren:
David gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Uncle Dave,
Honestly you inspired me in everyway possible, you were always such a fun uncle to me and there are so many good memories from the past that I still laugh about to this day.You joining the Navy was a HUGE change in all of our lives, and we knew you'd be successful. You died fighting for our Country and it's been rough for everybody, especially me and kristy, I don't think a day goes by that we don't think or talk about you through out the day. We all really miss you alot and will see you not long from now. Your always in my prayers and I know your up there with your BIG smile watching down on me protecting me from the bad and leading me down the good path thats ahead of me. Ya know, sometimes when I'm driving and I see an eagle, the first thing I think about is "that's my Dave up there protecting me." I would do anything for one last chance to tell you how much I love you and care about you. Your forever in my heart Uncle Dave. I love you.
R.i.p"
Samantha Soholt (Daves Niece) of St.Francis,MN,US

"David was the best son that God could have given any mother. He was "perfect" in every way possible. I miss him so very very much and I cry for him continuously. I want to thank all of you that touched my sons life and helped to make him the person that he was. It has been two years and yet the pain is still as strong as ever.
God bless all of you for your love and support."
Deb Cedergren (mom) of Big Lake, Minnesota

"It's the second anniversary of Dave's passing and two years ago that I got the worst phone call. It is still so hard to believe Dave's gone. When I got the phone call I honestly didn't believe it until I researched it on the internet because I was in such shock and didn't want to believe that Dave was gone. I still don't like the thought of him being gone. Dave was someone very special to me and always will be. Even before his passing, there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't wonder how he was and hoping he was okay. To this day I still have a hard time dealing with his passing and the way things transpired between us. Dave was someone you thought nothing could happen to them.

To his family, I am still very sorry for your loss."
Michelle of Greensboro, North Carolina

"dave was the best friend iv'e ever had.it's supposed to get better with time but it dosent. he was what everybody wished they could be, a fun natured, kind, passionate person, with a smile that everybody rememberd. he inspired everybody he met, and even if you only met him once you remembered him.if you knew him for a while you loved him.if you knew him longer, he changed your life. my life is better because dave was in it.i miss him everyday, and thank god for the time we had together."
anthony of swansboro nc

"In your honor and with gratitude to you, David Ashley Cedergren, I’ve planted a daffodil in your name, as have others across the United States as part of Project LIVE ON, a not-for-profit program founded to memorialize each U. S. military who has died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Thousands of beautiful daffodils will come up each Spring, and, like your Spirit, will LIVE ON...and ON. Blessings to you, the family, as you grieve, and heal. For details, contact projectliveon@aol.com. Jan. 23, 2006."
Gretchen Forbes of the northcentral mountains of Pennsylvania

"I have planted a daffodil for you David, along with 49 more bulbs to represent other soldiers who have been killed in Iraq. Your flower will be seen every year and your sacrifice remembered. Projectliveon@aol.com"
Ruth Anderson of Mountain View , California

"Dave,

I miss you buddy.......It hurts that your not here with us working up for another pump. You truly were a GREEN SIDE CORPSMAN!.....We all lost something over there.....I lost a dear friend, One I will never forget. Its the start of a new rugby season and I know you'll be watching from up above.....Semper Fidelis Devil Doc
"PALS"

HM3(FMF/CAC) Freeman, Brady M.
1st BN 2nd MAR, 22 MEU BLT
2nd Marine Division
Camp Lejeune, NC"
Brady Freeman

"I was stationed with David in Cherry Point. We had picked up third class together and even dated for awhile. David was a wonderful man, he was sweet, sensitive, and always a gentleman. He was an excellent Corpsman! I can't put into words how much he is missed. I have returned to Corps School and tell every student I talk to about him and how he gave his life for his country."
HM2 Jennifer Breest of Great Lakes, IL

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class David A. Cedergren,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Wife of an Air Force veteran and MCQ Member"
Kim Woodard of Richmond, VA

"To the family of David A. Cedergren:

The Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation will be honoring your loved one at the non-denominational Memorial Day Sunday worship service at 11:00 a.m. on 29 May. We will remember the casualties of the Global War on Terrorism from Minnesota … and the neighboring states of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Outside of the historic Fort Snelling Veterans Memorial Chapel will be a “Memorial Garden” filled with white crosses bearing the names of the war dead … including your loved one.

I would like to extend to your family an invitation to honor us with your presence at worship as we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by your service member and family. Our pastor, U.S. Army Chaplain, LTC Kenneth L. Beale, Jr. will preach a message entitled “Remembering Our Freedom.” A former Soldier and country music songwriter and performer “Rockie” will pay a special musical tribute. At the conclusion of the worship hour, all of the congregation will be invited to silently pay their respects at the garden and place poppies at each of the crosses. An honor guard squad will be on hand to fire vollies as the US flag is lowered to half-staff and Taps is played.

As this Christian worship service has traditionally been well attended, we would be happy to reserve seating for you and yours. To do so, kindly call (612/970-7866) and leave a voice message indicating your veterans’ name and the number of persons attending. If you are not able to attend, we pray that you would find comfort in knowing that our prayers are with you and all of the fallen heroes.

Respectfully,
Leila Campbell
Administrative Assistant
Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel Foundation
email:info@fortsnellingmcf.org
web site:www.fortsnellingmcf.org"

"when your son's picture appeared in the duluth news tribune, my wife and i cried together. our son jon passed away 11-03 from hypertrophic cardiomyopethy after serving in the us navy since 5-99. he served off afghanistan 10-01 and iraq in 03 as a search and rescue swimmer on the enterprise, truman and roosevelt and others. believe me, we know your pain. it took 3 months to get an answer for his death. he had flight physicals every 6 months yet nothing was found. we miss him every day as you miss david every day. please accept our prayers for you and david.both of our sons were in careers to save lives. we treasure jon's choice to join the navy. it made him an even better young man and from the notes we have read about david, they seemed to have a great deal in common."
dennis/kay arras of duluth MN 55812

"I attended Field Medical Service School with HM3, I was proud to be with him, he certainly was special and I am proud to be able to call him a shipmate. God Bless you and your family!"
HN Aaron Jackson of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

"Somebody has got to help the Lord take care of all those angels. Rest in Peace, Doc, and may God bless your family."
HM2 (FMF/NAC) Jared Castro of Ventura, CA

"To A wonderful shipmate, you have inspired many people to find the true person inside and bring out the best in them, you were a wonderful friend and a wonderful corpsman and everyone at Naval Hospital cherry point will for ever miss you but always hold the wondeful memories of you in our hearts. to the family, my prayers go out to you just always remember eventhough we pass to our other life there will always be a little piece of david in all of you. from HN Tina Albertson "Elliott". we miss you HM3!"
TINA of Cherry Point, North Carolina

"Petty Officer Cedergren, goodbye sailor and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To the family of David,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Our family has also suffered the loss of a precious life in this battle for freedom. Army Spc. Daniel A. Desens, Jr. KIA 6/24/04. David is a true American hero and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifice he gave to our country. May God bless you during this difficult time."
Vic and Tammy McClain--azquail@att.net of Tucson, AZ

"Dave was not only our cousin but one of our best friends. Although Dave was thousands of miles away he still found time to contact us on a regular basis. He thought of his family and friends before himself everyday. Dave holds a very special place in our hearts that will never be filled. We have so many great memories that we will cherish forever. Our family will never be the same without him. God Bless You Dave. We love you so much!"
Rhiannon & Mike Kisch of Plainview, MN

"Rest Oars, Shipmate."
George Cassity of San Diego CA

"Rest in Peace David, I will always look up to my little brother. David was my little brother and I miss him more than could be imagined. We talked almost weekly and I would do anything for him to make him feel a little easier about being in Iraq. I would love to talk to anybody who knew David, especially those who worked with him in Iraq. I haven't let go yet and don't know if I ever will, he was the ultimate brother and the most caring corpsman you could have ever known. I still have no idea what happened to David on September 11th, 2004 but hope to talk to somebody who was with him there to tell me stories about how they knew him. He was loved by many and died too early. God bless you David, I look forward to seeing you in heaven."
Barry Cedergren of Minnesota

"To the family and shipmates of Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class David Cegergren:

I had the privilage of serving with David at MCAS Cherry Point. He taught me several tricks of EMS and he was someone I always enjoyed pulling duty with. Tall,lankey dude with a strangely deep voice that sometimes made him seem a little more intimidating then he actually was. He was an exemplary sailor (damn near recruiting poster quality) an exceptional corpsman, and a great shipmate. Both the Hospital Corps as well as the Marine Corps will
miss him. I am glad I was able to know David, albeit for a very short time. My prayers go to his family, his friends, and his Marines and Sailors.

Goodnight Doc Cedergren."
HM3 Chris Reynolds of CBIRF 4th MEB (AT)

"To David's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"I meant to add this to my last message about Dave A. Cedergren,,but I only just found a copy...The last verse of W.H. Auden's poem "Funeral Blues".

" The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun?
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.""
Michael Cross of MSU, Mankato, MN

"To the family of David A. Cedergren: My prayers and thoughts are with you all. I knew Dave as a student in an English composition class I instructed at Craven Community College in Havelock, N.C. I often saw Dave working after hours on projects in the computer lab; despite needs of work responsibilities, other college courses, and personal life; Dave rarely missed class and was always a positive addition to class. He was very popular with the other students, often spoke up in class, and helped others with their projects. To this day I relate Dave's dogged determination to college freshman.
Dave's love of life, ever-present smile, and determination to succeed continues to inspire us that knew him.
We will never be able to forget him."
Michael Cross of MSU, Mankato, MN

"I am so sorry to hear about your son, we too lost a son in Iraq in Jan. and I know how you are feeling, My son loved flying and his life was to serve his country, but he like your son will be missed, and we will treasure all the memories. God bless!"
Sharon Dorff, Mother of CW3 Patrick Dorff of Elk River, MN.

"RIP SHIPMATE"

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude. May God provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in Heavenly peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten. May time replace present sorrow with happy loving memories for family and friends. Look to the sky for in the infinite meadows of Heaven the bright shining stars bloom....the forget-me-nots of angels. God bless you and thank you."
a grateful family in Phoenix, AZ

"To David's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

"Thank you David Cedergren, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class David Cedergren:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless David for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Petty Officer 3rd Class David Cedergren:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of David, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia