Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you today with love, honor, respect and thankfulness for your ultimate sacrifice 13 years ago today. SEMPER FIDELIS, and may you forever rest in God's Eternal Love, Joy, & Peace. Godspeed."
Pamela of Coventry, Rhode Island

"8 years. I know and understand how much your mom loves and misses you. Rest in Peace, Matt."
Jan Goldman Manshack

"Matthew"
You was a great friend and a marine.Wish i could go back in time and warn you guys or help you guys out on that ambush.I will never forget you."

"To this day the memories are still fresh. Being new to the infantry after 4 years on the admin side of the corps, You excepted me as a fellow grunt and friend. You are missed by the many fammily, friends, and those who served with you."
Jeremy Cole of Cottonwood Idaho

"April 20, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Matthew K. Serio:
Matthew 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

"Mathew,
I think about that day alot and every time I do I wished we could have done things differently. I realy miss you guys alot and I thank you for the things that you had taught to me in training and in every day life. Rest in peace my friend and may God be with you."
J.R. Morris of Dallas, Texas

"Rest in peace matt i think about u all the time man we went to centerdale school together 3,4,5th i found a picture with me and you at a DARE show at the town hall ive thought of you everyday since then,that was almost two years ago Now I will try and follow in your footsteps
tim kelly"
Tim of providence

"To Matt's family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I just learned of Matt's passing today, as I have lived out of state for the past few years, and never heard the news.

I went to 8th grade with Matt at Centredale School, and only knew him for a short time, but I remember him as a great guy - funny, sincere and a good kid. I was saddened to learn of his passing.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends... may your memories of Matt bring you comfort and joy for years to come. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely,"
Ruthie Labedz of North Providence/Cumberland, RI

"To the family of:Matthew K. Serio 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"

"***MEMORIAL DAY 2006***
LCPL Matthew K. Serio, United States Marine Corps - You are an American hero who will not be forgotten this day nor ever. I am very grateful for your service to this nation and your ultimate sacrifice on April 5, 2004. I pray that god bestows his peace and comfort upon your family. "They are not dead who live iin hearts they leave behind" - Hugh Robert Orr
Semper Fidelis brave Marine."
D. BURT of Portsmouth, Rhode Island

"Serio,
Hey man i'm sorry i couldn't do anything for you. i tried. you were a great loss to me ond everyone on that fateful day. i will never forget you or Ramos Thriy and Goldman. I did however identify one person from that day. he was the machine gunner that opened fire. Charged with crimes against the coalition. and treason i miss you man Love Lcpl James Klingel C.CO 1st BN 5th Marines 3rd platton 3rd squad"
James KLingel of Wooster Ohio USA

"thank u and bless u for your service"
ken of ny

"4/17/05. Reading the articles of remembrance and praise of your son has not only made me even more thankful for today, but bringing me further hope of a better future. Your son has made me respect all those who are out there fighting for our future, for us. I find it...quite a coincidence that one of my best friends here is named Matthew J. Serio. He plans to head into the Mass Maritime Academy after graduating this June, and heading into the Navy after graduating from Mass Maritime. It is great people like him and your son that bring a newfound respect within myself to be all that I can be. Thank you so much.

Just one more thing...The people and friends that we have lost..., or the dreams that have faded...

Never forget them."
Cy Chan of Littleton, Massachusetts

"4/5/05 To the family. What a day for you one year ago. I share your pain, sorrow and loss. I hope you are proud of your son and beginning to feel a manifestation of healing. Your sacrifice will not go unnoticed here on this earth, nor in Heaven. I pray for you this moment and pray purpose, hope and joy will come to you. God bless Matthew's family and friends."
De'on Miller, Proud Mom of L.Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, USMC, KIA April 26, 2004 Fallujah, Iraq of Lovington, NM, USA

"I just read these messages to Matthew it brought tears and chills to me. Matthew I wear on my hero's bracelet with your name. God bless you and your love ones."
John of Linden, New Jersey

"thank you for helping our contry i have the same last name as you thanks again"
emily serio of ct

"I recieved a Hero Bracelet from HeroBracelts.org with Matthew's name on it. I am getting chills while typing this knowing that I am honoring an American Hero that died serving his country. I will never forget you"
Alan G of Columbia, Missouri

"Hey baby, I love you and miss you so much! I know you are looking down on us from heaven. It still hurts but in the end I know we will see each other again.
Love always~Megan"
Megan of North Providence, RI

"Happy Birthday Matt. We miss you.
July 22, 1982-April 5, 2004
--21 forever--"
Uncle Pat of Hadley, MA

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes,IL

"I am in 8th grade and we were learing about how many people were dying in Iraq. He is included in our prayers. If there is a family member I would appreciate it if you could email me back at RockNRollGrlAA90@aol.com so I can write my report on this hero."
student at Emmet Belknap of Lockport, NY

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

"I always knew the type of impact being a Marine Corps recruiter would have on the young men and women of America, but I don't think I was ready for the impact Matthew had on me. I could only imagine the devastation of loosing Matthew after knowing and loving him for 21 years, but deep down I feel just as blessed in knowing him from the time he came into my office until the time he gave his life in defense of our country and our freedoms. It is because of Marines like Matthew that my children, and my childrens children will not have to fear getting on a plane or going to work or wonder what the threat condition is from day to day. Matthew gave his life for me, for every other American and for future Americans and for that I am eternally grateful. Even though Matthew walked into my office ready to join the Marines, and would have wether I was his recruiter or not, there has always been some guilt associated with it, but now the pride that I have for him combined with the love and support from the community and his friends for his family my tears are shed for honor instead of sorrow. The Lord himself would choose Matthew to guard the gates of heaven and he would be my choice to watch over all of us!
To the Serio family,I am deeply sorry for your loss and I pray that you find peace in your heart.
To Matthew, I will never forget you, and I will see you again!"
Staff Sergeant Trevor W. McPherson of Miramar California

"To the family of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew K. Serio, I'm the cousin of Lance Cpl. Shane Goldman who died the same day with Matthew...My deepest condolences on your loss...You see I myself am a Marine and even though I didn't know Matthew, he was a brother to me...along with every other Marine that has ever served....Matthew, Shane and all the other soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines that have given their life in the name of freedom will not be forgotten...You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time...you are not alone in your time of grief...I would like to say "Thank you" to Matt, he is a "TRUE" American..."
Jimbo (Corporal USMC) of Orange, TX

"My heart has been with the Serio family and all of their friends since the day I told them that their son was killed in Iraq. I walked with them during the first dark days as we planned the farewell of a president. Young Matt, was loved and endeared by a countless many and I was sadly, but absolutely honored to lead the Marine detachment that could bring the dignity to the passing of this young Marine that he deserves. May the good Lord wrap the Serio family in the palm of his hand, may the sun shine again for them soon. As we know, that is what Matt would want. Semper Fidelis and with Abiding Respect"
Todd M. Parisi/First Sergeant-USMC of Providence, Rhode Island. USA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Matthew K. Serio,

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

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. 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. Please register so we can send you
our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Member Of Marine Comfort Quilt group, and Proud Marine Mom"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"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, Matthew, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"To Matthew's Family:
There aren't words to express the grief we all feel for your loss. May God bless you and watch over you."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincere condolences. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for your child's bravery & sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"Semper Fi. I'm honored to follow in your footsteps."
Donovan of Albany, GA

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden,Semper Fi
The Taylors
USMC
NC"

"Thank you Matthew Serio, 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 Lance Cpl. Matthew Serio:
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 Matthew 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 Lance Cpl. Matthew Serio:
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 Matthew, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia