Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"SPC Palacios, when the American Flag flies over my house, when I teach my son to stand up for the National Anthem, when I shed tears on Memorial Day during Taps, I think of you. SPC P thank you for your sacrifice for my family and neighbors. You are my American Soldier. My son knows your name, he knows your sacrifice, we will NEVER forget you soldier. I have worn a dog tag since 2004 with your name and under it is stamped “silent sapper” You may be silent but I know your watch is not over. I love you.

Former Soldier and SPC Palacios Platoon Leader, Engineer Recon Platoon,
588 EN BN, 2BCT, 4ID, OIF1 2003"
Jake Cannon of North Liberty, Iowa USA

"I only knew him as palacios until one mission he helped out on i found out his first name was gabriel or gabe for short. He made me laugh when he got the email from a female he met on one of the fobs we were at. Smiling, he held up the tiny piece of paper and told us "I got the .com!" yeah!" parker and i laughed. he was a great soldier. they both were."
battle sister of los angeles, ca

"This message has been in the making for years now. I was SPC Palacios and SPC Parker Platoon Sergeant in 2003 and I still mourn the loss of such terrific human beings and Soldiers. There is no day that goes by that I do not think about them and their families. These two great Americans will always be a part of me. They gave the greatest sacrifice to maintain our way of life I am in debt to them forever."
SFC Contreras of Schofield Barracks, HI

"November 11, 2009, Veterans Day
Dear Gabriel,
I last met you on this world December 2003. You were visiting Brighton High and I was getting ready to fly to Israel for an international peace rally. I saw you and I knew you were a man and your destiny was committed. I re-committed my self to the peace rally knowing that you were working on the ground war, and I was working on the war of ideas, the spiritual war.
I have looked through all the notes on your web page, and I am I warmed by all the memories and messages of love from people we knew then. I moved to Lynn in 2005. I moved to a neighborhood that I had prayed to live in. I always thought you remembered me when I was looking for my home. May your spirit shine and guide you.
Love, Juliet Parry, "Ms. Parry""
Juliet Parry Johnson of Lynn, MA jmparry@lycos.com

"Oct. 27, 2009 I am from Lynn , Ma. and wanted to look up this soldier when it mentioned he was from Lynn , Ma. so I could know who he was and that his life wouldn't be passed by and to know personally who this soldier was in our city that gave his life as a sacrifice for the freedom of others , He has a purple heart !
God Bless His Family , the inspirational flags with his soul goes marching on is a BeautiFULL tribute to a Hero Soldier !"
Joyce of Lynn , Ma

"I was gabriel's soccer coach during his time at Brighton High School. I was packing up my classroom yesterday when I came across a clipping of an article from the Boston Sunday Globe, called "A death in Iraq felt in two of the Americas." The article is dated March 28, 2004. The photograph of Gabriel in the article struck a chord in me. What a fine young man he had become! But that is no surprise. He was always a stand-up guy on the team: dedicated, strong, a terrific goalie and a strong outfield player, willing to do whatever the team needed. Graceful in victory and in defeat. In short, Gabriel was an absolute pleasure to work with. I can only hope that my 2.5 year old son will be like Gabriel."
Robert Oakes of Brighton, MA

"January 18, 2009
To the family of Spc. Gabriel T. Palacios:
Gabriel 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

"Gabriel Palacios and I were in basic training together he was one of the most honarable people I ever met. I am sure he is in a better place and the world is worse off because of the loss. I will continue to hold his family in prayers and I will never forget him."
William Ruderman of Queens NY

"My heart is broken, i found out recently about his dead and i was in shock and denial. Gabriel and i went to the same college we took an english class. since the first time i meet him i noticed he was a great guy, we had a nice friendship. i'm so sad that i didn't know he was dead, i knew he was in the military and i always prayed for him and i always hope he was alright. but now that i know that he is not longer with us i don't know how to express what i feel inside of me. it kills me that he left and i couldn't do anything for him, not even had the chance to support his family because is too late. I will always keep you on my heart and memories you were a nice guy and a great friend, God Bless you and thank you for giving you life.
to his family my sincere simpathy. i know is late but i will keep you all in my prayers.
Gabriel True hero! Good friend, beutiful person."
Sandra Casas of Everett MA

"YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO AND AN ANGEL..YOU ARE A BETTER PLACE...GODBLESS YOU ALWAYS AND REST IN PEACE!"
YESSIE of CHARLESTOWN,MASS

"This is a man that we owe our freedom to! Thank you!"
john tipton of austin tx 78757

"i didnt know him buht things are so sad how lives can be tooken of amzing carin people. may you rest in peace<3"
ashley of iselin; nj

"i was attached to his unit in iraq, i never met him, but i was in baquba and i was in that mortar attack. the world is so small...i have no words to show my sadness for his lost. like all the buddies i lost, palacios' memories will never die. and i know right now he's with god and the angels and even heaven is amazed for his precense there."
spc. umana of fort riley, ks.

"To the family and friends of Gabriel Palacios, my condolences and prayers. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
SGT Michael Mannion of Lynn, MA

"There are few words that can be said to describe the courage of a person that lays his life on the alter of freedom but know that his sacrifice is not forgotten"
Ralph Sirois of Lynn Police Department, Ma

"As I read all the messages left, I cried out sadness mix with sentiments. Gabo, Gabito, Gabi, Gabriel was the sweetest son, the nicest brother, the loyal friend, and a wonderful human being. Now, he is an Angel that is looking after us, just as he did when he was here with us. He knows we all love and miss him. For us, the family that was left behind, the hope that we will see him again is what keep us going, but is your support, your prayers and messages that give us the strenght to live and honor him. Thank you"
Rosa Palacios of Boston, MA

""To the Family and friends of Gabriel Palacios:
It is Memorial day 2007 as I write this. I did not know of Gabriel and his story but I was inspired to learn more of this fallen hero. This past Sunday at our church First Baptist Orlando we remembered those that had fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan by placing flags with the names of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of this nation. It was Gabriel's flag that I carried and had the privilege to pray for his family and friends. I will never forget Gabriel's sacrifice to protect and keep me and my family free. May God Bless you for He who gave His Son Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our forgiveness knows your loss.""
Joan Peters of Orlando, Florida

"On the eve of your passing I want to say how that it was an absolute honor to serve with you Gabe. You were an amazing person, soldier, and friend. I will never forget you."
SPC Anthony Arteaga of Houston, Texas

"caro gabriel. a ta conossi mia e a so mia qui ca ta seved. a seva dr gerca un altro con ur to num. ma dopo o trovat ti. o piangud imediatement. ar so mia parce...mi normalment a piangi mia subit. ta geved numa 22 an e sum molto trista e desolada ce ta deveved möri ischi prest. a sum secura ce in du moment du to möri a neva 3 angel que ta spetschava par acompaniat.

a sum molto desolada para la familia....
ma a sum sicura que ur gabriel u sara simpra in di vos coeur... le diventat ur vos angel e u fara atention par simpra."
zoé of schwizera (swizerland) du tesing

"han pasado muchos años desde que te fuistes de tu tierra, donde te encuentres se que podes vernos, y sabes que se te extraña mucho, aun me parece que fue ayer que te vi por estos lados, y que te escribia, se que estas con Dios y algun dia nos volveremos a ver!!!. TE EXTRAÑO MUCHO."
Martha Alvarez of Managua, Nicaragua

"Yesterday was Gabriel's birthday. I though of him and wished that he was alive to wish him a happy birthday. But even though he is not alive I know that we all remember him and loved him and so wherever he is "Happy Birthday Gabo", we love you and miss you."
Lissette of Fort Lauderdale, FL

"To the family of:Gabriel T. Palacios I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Today, out of some impulsion i searched my name on the List. I found Gabriel. It is the day of the deceased ones here. Gabriel, i didn't know you but you belong to my family tree. Now i became a Soldier's Angel i'll do my best to help your mates. I just think you are the real angel. The most glorious sacrifice is the one we do in silence for others. I will remember you and thank you for those you saved. God bless you and your family. Maria Palacios Fernandez"
Marie Fernandez of Spain

"I never forget him im so sorry i found dis website so late dere so much i have to say he was like an older brother to me. he was such a great guy that just loved life.i know every secend in my life hes with me.and in sprit he has helped me through so much i will always love him and never forget him.He was the one of the bestest uncles i was lucky to have.
on behalf of my family i whould like to thank all of you who left your kinds words to honer him they mean so much.no1 will never forget him he was a brave soldier and now he is a beautiful Angel.
I miss You Gabo.We all do.
Thanks for the gift of freedom.
Love Always,
Your niece Jessica."
Jessica of lynn,mass

"Jinete feroz; cabalgando en el caballo de la vida se te afrento el destino,
Te arropo en sus marañas, y te convirtió en algo más divino.
Te arrebato tus sueños y te vistió en trajes adornados de lino;
Soñador infinito hoy en mi corazón has puesto un espino.

Impecables recuerdos se fosilizan en la mente de quienes te recordamos,
Vivimos el dolor de tu familia y de todos los que te amamos.
Pequeño juguetón como en esta navidad te extrañamos.
Alzando los ojos al cielo tu divino descanso imploramos.

Retorna el tiempo a su rutina y la nieva a las calles de Lynn.
El cielo se confunde con tu hogar que desde que tu no estas se visten de gris,
Esperan la llegada de aquel pequeño guerrero que siempre lucho hasta el fin,
Luchando por una causa justa aunque este nunca fue tu país.

Gabi, hoy he apartado unos minutitos para ti y te escribo este poema, Raul Y yo te recordamos como el gran amigo que fuistes, y lo sentimos muchisimo al ver la porterilla tan sola hoy que tu no estas. espero que goses junto al creador y seas un buen soldado y portero para nosotros alla como lo fuistes aqui.

Jose amaya..Y Raul"

"Les doy me condolencias ala familia de Gabriel. Y le pido a Dios que todos regresen pronto. Mi hermano esta en Iraq y es imporatante que la fmilia esta unida. Dios los bendiga"
Alicia of San Ysidro, Ca

"Gabo:
De sobra esta decir cuanto te quiero y cuanto te recuerdo. No se te olvide baby que te amo y siempre estaras en mi corazon, separame un pequeno espacio en donde quiera que estes, espero estar en compania tuya algun dia. En cuanto a ti Laura, Danilo y sus padres deseo que Dios les de el consuelo y los ayude a seguir adelante."
M.V. of RGC Texas

"I am a 7th grader at Barker Cental School in Western New York. Our social Studies teacher found the memorial website and thought that all of us should pick two or three fallen soilders to honor. I choose your son. Your son, Gabriel was a brave man and he will be honored forever. God Bless"
Staci of Barker, New York

"I am a 7th grader at Barker Cental School in Western New York. Our social Studies teacher found the memorial website and thought that all of us should pick two or three fallen soilders to honor. I choose your son. Your son, Gabriel was a brave man and he will be honored forever. God Bless"
Staci Palacios of Barker, New York

"Gabriel T. Palacios, The sacrifice you and your family have made will not be forgotten by the people of Lynn"
Capt Robinson Lynn Fire Department of Lynn, MA

"Specialist Palacios, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Mi nombre es Sigrid Morales, y en nombre de la Iglesia Bautista Jerusalen de Nicaragua, les damos nuestras mas sinceras condolencias a la familia de Gabriel, y decirles que Dios les Bendiga, y tengan ánimo para salir adelante ya que como dice la Biblia nuestra ciudadania esta en los cielos, donde pertenecemos, y donde muy pronto quizas, estaremos al lado de Gabriel, y al lado de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Que Dios les bendiga grandemente. Y, Laura, te deseo lo mejor en tu vida, que Dios te Bendiga y sigue adelante, y lo mejor, nunca abandones los caminos de Dios. con Cariño: Sigrid"
Sigrid Morales of Managua, Nicaragua

"Our hearts go out to Gabriel's family on behalf of Nicaraguan-Americans. May he rest in peace."
Blandon Family of Miami, Fl

"Deseo agradecerle a todos aquellos que de una o otra manera nos han brindado su apoyo y condolencia hacia nuestra familia. Para la familia es dificil aceptar la perdida de Gabriel y saber que ya no podra compartir con nosotros . Pero los bellos recuerdos que el nos dejo son lo que realmente se quedaran con nosotros. les agradescos a todas las amistades que han mandado sus mensajes que de una forma han sido fuente de consuelo para nosotros.Yo he perdido un hermano un un amigo que ahora se ha combertido en mi "ANGEL".
"DIOS EN TUS MANOS PUSE A MI HERMANO CUANDO SABIA QUE HIBA A LA GUERRA Y POR COSAS DE LA VIDA DECIDISTE LLEVARTELO CONTIGO, AHORA EN TUS MANOS PONGO LA MIYA Y LA DE MI FAMILIA POR QUE SOLO EN TI PODREMOS ENCONTRAR CONSUELO Y LAS PAZ INTERIOR..""
LAURA PALACIOS of Peekskill, NY

"To the family of Spc. Gabriel T. Palacios.
I am a friend of Gabe's who served with him in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gabe and I were in the same platoon(Engineer Recon Team). I had just started to get to the know the guy and already I could tell that he and I would get along nicely. Gabe taught me many things as I was just a new guy to the Army. While home on leave, I recieved word of the trajic incident. Within seconds I was in tears as I realised that two of my good friends were now gone. Palacios will always be remembered in my memories and prayers and I will never forget his smile. To his family: If there was anything I could have done to prevent this, trust me I would have. I would have given my life for someone so caring. I miss the guy. The family is in my thoughts and prayers as well."
PFC Joseph Richard of 588 Engineers

"Gabriel was a very kind and gentle person,
and he gave his life for his friends left
behind to live in freedom and security.
Gabriel is a great american hero.
"May the Lord God have him in heaven and grant peace and tranquility to his love ones."
Mirta Sandoval of Watertown,Ma

"Gabriel is my best friend he always will be on my memorys Gabo eras el mejor de los amigos que uno pudiera tener I miss you bro Laura if you read this pls contact me Cell number (571)278-0247"
Jimmy Chavez of Falls Church Virginia USA

"Gabriel I always remember you, because you were a good friend for me, and we shared happy times that I never forget.
Thank you for all special things that you gave me. I hope to see you again near God. TE QUIERO MUCHO GABI."
ANA MARIA CRESPO of BRIGHTON HIGH

"Gabriel: you were one of my best friends, and although I never said everything that I wanted to tell you, I know that you left knowing what you really meant to me. Also, I want to send my most sincere condolences to Gabriel's family and friends. It is relieving to know that YOU are in a better place than us, and I hope that one day we will meet again."
Laura Vivas of Brighton, MA

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Gabriel , will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi B from Montana "

"I am Gabriel's cousing and I want to thank all of his friends and their families, for all the support they have given our family. We all love and miss him. Thank you."
Lisette of Boston, MA

"hola laura palacios soy Raul Moreno estudiamos justos en brighton high school. quiero darte mi sentido pesame por la perdida de gabriel lo siento mucho era un buen amigo, un buen companero y una gran persona, que Dios lo bendiga, cuidate mucho y que Dios te Bendiga te quiero y te recuerdo siempre ati y Gabriel."
Raul MOreno of Brighton MA 02135

"May you find comfort in knowing how many people share your sadness and loss. Thanks to Gabriel for fighting for our freedom and country. He is a TRUE HERO! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We Will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family (USMC) of Lakeland, TN

"SPC Palacios:
Thank your for giving yourself so that those of us at home can live freely and safely. There are not enough 'thank yous' for a gift such as this. Rest in peace soldier."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Gabriel Palacios, 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 Spc. Gabriel Palacios:
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 Gabriel 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 Spc. Gabriel Palacios:
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 Gabriel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia