Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Spc. Nicholas J. Zangara

21, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Zangara died in Tikrit, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany. Died on July 24, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Nicholas J. Zangara.

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Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"Hello Zangara. I will never apologize for shooting the cars out of your way."
GattyGatt

"It been almost 10 years now I miss you like crazy man I know you will never be forgotten you are missed dearly"
ElJay Rogers of Montrose Colorado

"No one hurts more than I. Specialist Zangara became one of my favorite soldiers in the platoon. I watched him grow from an immature boy to a well respected young man. On that dreadful day no one could tell me that "Z" was not going to make it. As I watched medic Christoper Dale and other soldiers do what they were trained to do to administer the aid they thought was needed to save this young man. I could only stand and say "Zangara I need you man, you are going to make it." I was the first to view his lifeless body at Speicher and the tears that welt up in my eyes was unbelievable. A man who never shows emotions was struck and could not hold back. That validated the relationship I developed with this young man. From the days of driving me crazy on guard duty and not cleaning his room to being the one who would be my escort through some of the roughest places in Iraq. That when he is not driving. I miss him much but I know "Z" is still with me there just some things that still gets under my skin and I know it him. I can say I love this soldier will always be his friend and know that he looks out for me now. Ed, Barbara, Rich, and Bridgette you know that you are always on my prayer and concern list. Much love for your Family."
Smoke Bell of Columbia, South Carolina

"Not a day goes by I don't think of you and what u did not just your family but our country I know u r looking down on all of us especially your nieces I love and miss u we will never foget your sacrifice your brrother"
joe bellosi of usa

"Hey Nick,just wanted to tell you I love you and miss you more then words can say.You were like my lil brother. Growing up together we had so much fun while our moms went shopping together. You will be forever in my heart. Still can't believe your gone. I remember the one Christmas you got the super Nintendo n I was mad cause I thought I didn't get one. So you told me were my mom was hiding it. You were the best Nick !!! We had tons of fun together. I remember when u came home for a visit after boot camp i was so excited to see you. You showed me your Army book and pictures. Now i tell my kids about you n share my memories with them. Rest peacefully my dear friend. Until we meet again. Love you Nick <3 xoxoxoxo"
Carolyn Lare of Philadelphia,Pa 19137

"I pray you all are doing fine. For me the sadness still comes and goes.
Our children; our Heroes."
Butch Dale of Lexington Park, MD

"It's been year and I just had a dream about you. I remember all are stupid fights over girls up the courts . But you never stayed mad and always the better man cuz u always apologized even when I was wrong ull b missed bro"
of Liberty bell #1 philly

"To the Family of Nick Zangara: Spc Zangara knew me as Sgt Price. We served for a while together in C Btry, 1/7 FA in Schweinfurt, Germany. I medically discharged out of the Army after 10 years in September 2003. Nick was the last person that I talked to as I walked out the door of the barracks for the last time. I had been keeping my plans for the future to myself...hadn't told anyone, although Nick asked me about it every time he saw me. Saying my last farewells, I turned and started to walk down the steps out the door when SPC Zangara called out to me.

"Hey, Sgt Price." I turned. "Allright...you've been keeping it, I been asking you...now tell me...what you gonna do now?" "Nick, I've been accepted to Pan Am Flight Academy in Florida...I start next month. I'm gonna go fly airplanes." He smiled a bit of a crooked smile. "Really? Awesome. So, if I get on a plane, and you're flying it, my drinks are free, right?" I nodded. "I promise you, man...you won't pay for a thing!" I am now a First Officer for Delta Connection, flying jets in Detroit. I think of Nick Zangara and how I wished I could have kept that promise to him. Godspeed to you. You never let them tell you how to be. Fly with me sometimes, and I'll tell your stories."
Jeffrey Price of Detroit, MI

"Hey Nick...

Damn, It has been almost 7 years and I still can't believe you are gone. Even after we broke up we still had a very close relationship. I will never forget those once a week phone calls from Iraq (despite the wife not knowing), they meant so much to me and when they stopped and I could no longer hear your voice, my heart broke. I miss you so much and I talked about you often. I know you are up there looking down on us. Take care love... I will never ever forget you babe.

Love you and miss you so much!"
Lindsey of Levittown, PA

"Nick lived next door to my husband and i when we were stationed in Germany. He was someone you would meet and instantly like. How could you not like him? Smiling, laughing, always seemed positive. He was funny. So young. My husband and Nick deployed with the same unit. It broke my heart they did not return together. My husband has since returned to Iraq, and returned home. I have NEVER forgotten Nick. It is on my mind every time July rolls around. My twins were born in July. Its a rough month. I have always kept Nick in my thoughts and his family. I wish only the best for his family and hope they are doing well."
Misty of Redding, Ca

"We are happy to announce that Nick's website is finally completed. Please click on NickZangarafund.com"
Richard Zangara of Philadelphia, PA

"nick i always love you i miss you alot i wish you were her with us thanks for your service to american people i love you little brother love richie"
richie zangara of ne phila pa

"I was stationed with Nick in Germany. We went to Kosovo together in 2002. We also happened to enjoy our BULGARIA trip together as well. I will definately miss you. Also, I have some pics of Nick from Kosovo that I would like to share with his family. You can contact me at martinezrayanthony@yahoo.com...."
Ray Martinez of Clearwater, Fl

"To the Zangara family,

I am the mother of PFC Christopher Dale and I am sending this to let you know that Christopher passed away suddenly on July 6th. Chris spoke often of your son and Nick's death weighed heavy on Chris' heart. I know at one point he was communicating via e-mail with Nick's father and talked of going to PA to visit sometime. We have a picture of Chris and Nick in Iraq and I don't know if Chris sent it to you or not. If not, I can send it. You may contact us at daleclan@verizon.net.

God Bless"
Cindy Dale of Lexington Park, MD USA

"July 17, 2008
To the family of Spc. Nicholas J. Zangara:
Nicholas 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

"Nick i miss u so much, life has changed alot and i cant help but wonder what u would be doing with urs. we had so many good times. like hangin at my moms or up the courts or when we were swimmin at your parents house. i walk past yur bench as often as i can and i tell my little girl all about you.
<3 always,"
colette of liberty bell philly

"Nick I just wanted to tell you that I love you. Since I really never got that chance to tell you. I think about you alot and miss you so much. If I had the oppertunity to have one day with someone thats missed I would like it to be you. Thank You and Love You"
Alex of Virginia Beach, VA

"I was in the same vehicle right behind Z he was one of my best friends over there. He was always my driver and he was the best along with Gattson our 50cal gunner. I was the Combatmedic for the platoon and it was the sadest day of my life. I still cry when i think of it, it feels like it was yesterday everyday. HE was my spades partner and undefeted, I haven't been able to bring my self to play again. My love goes out to his loved ones, they can contact me at combatmedic1@gmail.com. I would love to hear from his parents.
Love
Chris"
PFC Christopher Dale of lexington park, md USA

"Hey Nick,
Just went and saw your mom and ED, they are doing good but they miss u like crazy,\. Of course your mom and my mom just kept talking about how we use to roller blade down stairs in the house. I miss u alot especially when it gets close to Christmas you always would come over and see the family. i miss u. You were my first real best friend."
Michael Levin of Phila, Pa usa

"Hi Nicky,

Wanted to be first to wish you a happy birthday. Always in my heart,
Angela"
Angela Leone of Westville, NJ--South Philly Girl

"i love you nick and i miss you, its weird with out you around me u beth n alex were together all the time. i miss you and i love you."
Colette of philly

"hey nicky! i read the beautiful write up in the newspaper about you! I need your guidance in issues i am facing in my life. We all miss you and definatly havent forgotten about you!"
Catherine

"My Nicky,
I'm a SGT now and I'm currently here in Iraq...(as you know) Not a day goes by out here that I don't think of you. It's definitely rough over here but I have been going strong. I know you feel me and hear my thoughts. My love for you is endless...forever and a day Nicky. Stay close to me on patrols and guide me through. I love you sweety and I'm praying for you every chance I get. I love you my angel

your wife,"
Sgt Melanie Isner- Zangara of no-where Iraq

"Hey Nick!
I always write u on the legacy page and I just wanted to leave a note here too. I want everyone who didn't know you and the ones who had the privledge of being your friend how special you were! You will always be remembered and in my heart. People who were friends of yours knew they had someone they could always count on and someone who could always make them smile, I will never forget the times we had together and they are memories I will keep close to my heart forever.
I can't belive its been 2 years already...I just wish your wife understood that even if someone gets married they should still be able to keep their friends because it is so important, but even if we couldn't talk I still kept you in my prayers as I do now. Keep an eye on your family and loved ones and help them to be strong, I know it's hard! I still want to bring my fiance to meet you one day because I know you would have loved him, he's a light hearted guy like you. I'll see you in my prayers and talk to ya later!
Luv ya & miss ya!!!"
Dana of Philly

"To the family of:Nicholas J. Zangara 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"

"Nick, My god i miss you. It's been almost 2 years and there has not been a day that has gone by when i haven't thought about you. I don't think they'll ever be a day that passes that i wouldn't wish to be with you. remember the picture you bought me for chirstmas of 2001? with the angels in the back? its funny cause now i know i will always have an angel behind me. i love you nick. so much more then i ever thought i did. if only things could be the way they were..."
beth of NE philadelphia

"hey nick! ijust wanted to tell you i was thinking about you.. If i wrote you everytime i was thinking about you that would be like 5703769503 times a day. I hope that you are looking down on me becuase i know you are my angel. i love you!"

"Nick I think about you alot, especially since you come to me in my dreams. You were a good friend in highschool and I miss you alot. I know one day I will see you again. Your in my thoughts and prayers always."
Kim Nagy of Phila, PA 19114

"and barbara too.. sorry mom i left ya out by accident"

"Hey nicky!! how are things going for you? Peaceful i hope. Every time i speak to your father i get to know you more and more and i wish i had met you in person.. You ARE ALWAYS in my thoughts.. personal issues should not be discussed on this page.. this is to remember Nicholas Zangara who died for his country.. not his family. (i love you richie and bridget) i will always pray for you and im going to come visit you real soon my friend i love and miss you"
Catherine of Westville NJ

"WE ALLWAYS LOVE YOU NICK .THANKS FOR THE NICE WORDS EVERYONE .MELANIE IF YOU LOVED NICK LIKE YOU SAID WHY DIDTN YOU DO THE WRIGHT THINGS. NICKS MOM AND FAM."
BARBARA BURGSTAHLER of PHILADELPHIA PA.

"Hey Nicky,
It's your dad's friend Angela. Just wanted to say hi--cause you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I do not go into the melrose as much--but i still think about that day when i heard the news. I am proud to say that indirectly i knew you too. We at the melrose drove that journey since you first left philly til the end and we continue to join in your family's sorrowful loss.Well I hope your family is doing well. I pray for them to remain strong and to carry out their life's plan as you would want them to. Your passing will not go in vain cause it has given me strength to know that a kind hearted boy like you is allowing me the freedom's i share today.

Thank you Nick.

Miss you with love from"
Angela of Westville (nj) new location--living through it

"To those who Nicky loved most:

Richie, Bridget, Barbara, Ed, lil' Richie, Joey, Patti, Michele, Brooke and Natalie:

I never got to meet Nicky but, I see you and talk to you and feel as though I have. I wish I had.

I can't tell you enough how much I think of you all. I can't imagine what you all must go through daily. I cannot ever imagine not having my little guy in my life.

Your terrible loss has made me appreciate today and all that it has to offer. I realize that knowing you and seeing your pain has made me not take for granted that my loved ones, especially, especially my baby, will always be here. I have learned to appreciate those I have around me for every moment that I am lucky enough to have them with me. It is bewildering to me to think of how you trudge through every day. How heavy your heart must be. How strong you are - -

Through your sadness, through your loss - - you should know how much you inspire hope and courage in others around you and, most certainly, for others who are facing grief similar to yours.

I believe in God and I believe in angels. I believe that God only takes the best to be angels. I believe that some of those angels are in Heaven and some of those angels are on Earth. I think Nicky is Your Angel in heaven and that You are his Angels on Earth. He needed someone to look over all those little kids that you say Nicky loved so much; and, through your efforts, some those kids, are already prospering from the park that their Earth Angels have made possible. What a team you are!!!

I hope you know, I think of you often and pray for you always."
mz of pa

"Hey my baby!! Still goin strong. I will be making my SPC next month. Ha,ha even before you did. I want you to know that not a day goes by to where I am not thinking of you. Everyday I put on the same uniform as you did "Zangara" and I will forever have that name. I want to tell my in-laws that I still love you all no matter what the differences are. I live for both of us now. I will never quit! You have my word. I love you Nicholas John Zangara"
PFC Zangara,Melanie of Schofield, Bks Hawaii

"I wish I had known you, Z. -CS

Was It Worth It?
Nicholas "Z" J. Zangara
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2005-10-13/cb3.shtml

Artillery: 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment attached to 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany

Died: July 24, 2004, age 21

Nicholas "Z" Zangara and his brothers in arms prayed before every assignment they got convoying between Baghdad and Bayji, a corner of the infamous Sunni Triangle.

"Nicky told us that you never knew when you were going out if you were coming back because of these IED bombs," explains his stepmother, Bridget. "There's just no protection from those."

In July 2004, Z's unit learned that painful lesson as smoke billowed from their Hummer. Panicked soldiers tore open the doors. Someone pulled out the gunner, Andre Gaston. Three of his fingers were gone. Someone else grabbed Z, who'd been driving. Blood gushed from a large crack in his helmet. Z and Gaston were soon loaded into a chopper, which sped to Baghdad. The wounded gunner called out to his friend the entire way until, in the depths of the hospital, Gaston's stretcher was wheeled one way, and Z's the other. Gaston watched Z as long as he could. It was the last time any of Z's loved ones saw him alive.

"He saw more in two months there than we will ever see in our lives," reflects his father, Rich. "When he arrived there, he was a little boy. A buddy of his died and it took me an hour on the phone to calm him down. Two months later he called, and he was John Wayne. That scared me. The revenge in his voice"

Born in South Philly, Z went through the city school system up to his junior year at George Washington High. Then, he faced some academic problems, learned of an Army GED program and enlisted without telling his family. Z completed basic training in 2000, was sent to Germany and then Kosovo. In 2003, after a long Internet courtship, Z married Melanie and then, according to stepfather Ed, "He told me he was going to Iraq. I said, "How can you be going to Iraq? Your enlistment is up.' That's when he told me he had re-enlisted."

Z had a contract that stipulated he could only serve in a foreign country for so long, but then stop-loss laws came into effect. Soon, he was driving Hummers on Iraq's hellish highways.

Was It Worth It?
"I was for the war," says his mother, Barbara. "No one can deny that [WMD] existed in Iraq at one point. What I don't agree with is that they aren't managing the war right."

"Nicky supported it," adds Rich. "He more or less thought it was the right thing to do, that he could help the Iraqi people. I just hate to think — and it's always a question in my mind — that this president lied. I hate it when I hear him say, "It would be an injustice to those who died if we pull out.' I don't agree. The injustice is if he did lie to send those kids over there to die.""
Christopher Schwartz of Philadelphia, PA

"Nick you will never be forgotten"
cuzin of pa

"happy early birthday nicky.. i miss you"
Catherine of westville NJ

"My condolences to the families-to include Tara. I salute you soldier!"
Angela of Ft. Worth

"GOD BLESS YOU NICHOLAS,"
jean-pierre ZANGARA of Marseille FRANCE

"Nick you were someone who meant a great deal to me and you have no idea how hard it was to watch on tv what happened.... i will never forget you.... i will always luv you.... i willkeep youand your family in my prayers always....
LUV ALWAYS AMANDA"
of PHILLY

"To Nicky's Sweet Family,
There are no words to express my feelings for your great loss. Nicky made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and for that we are all eternally gratefull. We know that this is a difficult time for the family but we want you to know that our prayers are with you all. Thank you Nicky for answering the call of duty when your country needed you."
Will and Andria of Folcroft, Pa.

"to everyone we having a memorial service on june 26 2005 at liberty bell park at red lion rd thank you so much rose and prewitt nick we allways love you and i miss you forever your mom barbara burgstahler"
barbara burgstahler of philadelphia pa19114

"Nick and his family...
Everyday I think of you, i don't think i'll ever get over you being gone. sometimes i have a dream that i'm talking to you and then i wake up and i just miss you that much more. you were so special to me and i just love you doll. i think about your family all the time too and hope they are hanging in there. miss you hun."
Rose of Phila. PA

"Nick, to this day i can not believe you are gone. It was such a blow the day we lost you. Your witty remarks at certain times, gave us something to laugh about, during the most serious of times. We kept you in our prayers and as you know we have not, nor will we ever forget you. I met your folks today for the first time and they are great people. I lost my real brother later in the deployment do to drugs. I plan on getting a tattoo of a z and an r on the back of my arm. I am glad that you see all now and that there are no secrets kept now. You were warrior on earth and you are an angel in heaven and i, along with "white platoon" thank you for putting your hands of protection around us. I wish we could have brought the xbox or the cards home together but i know you have a deck up there. Untill then i want you to check a seat for me. I will continue to prayer for you and your family. God bless you and them."
your brother in arms Spc Prewitt of Germany

"Nick, to this day i can not believe you are gone. It was such a blow the day we lost you. Your witty remarks at certain times, gave us something to laugh about, during the most serious of times. We kept you in our prayers and as you know we have not, nor will we ever forget you. I met your folks today for the first time and they are great people. I lost my real brother later in the deployment do to drugs. I plan on getting a tattoo of a z and an r on the back of my arm. I am glad that you see all now and that there are no secrets kept now. You were warrior on earth and you are an angel in heaven and i, along with "white platoon" thank you for putting your hands of protection around us. I wish we could have brought the xbox or the cards home together but i know you have a deck up there. Untill then i want you to check a seat for me. I will continue to prayer for you and your family. God bless you and them."
your brother in arms Spc Prewitt of Germany

"NicK it's been so long that you've been gone but there's not a day that goes by that i see your face.. your picture is on my agenda book and on my mirror. Your fathers sympathy card is right above it. we miss you so much and we would give anything just to have you back. i love you and your father and the melrose crew miss you as well baby boy.. i hope you are resting in peace."
Catherine of sOuth Philly

"Nicholas, my love and one and only. You were and always will be the best thing that has ever happened to me. As your wife (partner in crime) I have decided to serve our country in honor of you. I will finish what you started Nicky. I am on my way to Iraq in September and for you I will fight. I love you my angel and not a moment goes by that I don't think of you.
I also want to thank everyone for their support and condolences. You all will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much!!! With much love"
Pvt. Melanie Zangara of Hawaii USA

"Nick was one of those people that you only have to meet once to love. I had the priveledge of being in high school with him and sharing so many great memories. He always wanted everyone to be happy and he was always there to talk to. Even when he was in Germany he could find time to call or write and see how things were back home and at school. He was such a great person and friend and will never be forgotten!"
Dana of Philly, PA

"To the family of SPC Zangara, his passing is not in vain. I will remember this young man in my prayers. Thank you, Nicholas, for your service to our country. May God Bless you, always."
Frank Wing of Nashville, TN

"To the family of SPC. Zangara, I would like to send my deepest condolences. I attended basic training with Nick at Fort Jackson in the spring of 01. I know it is somewhat cliché to say posthumously that someone left a lasting impression on them but my three months with Nick let me know he was definitely a different kind of guy. As both guys small in stature but somewhat large in ego we meshed pretty quickly, and quite often found ourselves the center of attention. Sometimes we stood out for doing good things and even more often we just did a lot of pushups for raising a lot of commotion. Our bunks were right beside each other so in the evenings we found ourselves talking a lot. He loved his family as much as any young man could. I know, he told me often. He was a great young man and I will never forget the impression the he made on me. In his memory I will send a big go Eagles!!! We love ya brother."
Spc. John F. Ward II of Dunedin, FL

"Princess &I were moved by your story,we see& FEEL the impact that you left on those in your life . What a tribute to all four of your proud parents, what a beautiful legacy for Melanie. we grieve for you & with you. GOD bless& save this great nation& the Zangara family."
Jeff& Princess{ Kim} of San Francisco

"Princess &I were moved by your story,we see& FEEL the impact that you left on those in your life . What a tribute to all four of your proud parents, what a beautiful legacy for Melanie. we grieve for you & with you. GOD bless& save this great nation& the Zangara family."
Jeff& Princess{ Kim} of San Francisco

"Hey nick its ang moore i saw and herd what happened to u in cali cause i live here now i balled for days ill miss ur sarcasium u were one in a million u will be missed terribly and i wish i bring bac scool years at gw it was great me u and tony but now i cant i will miss u terribly and my husband a marine sents his blessing to the family"
angela boyer of 29 palms marine base in cali

"We are so sorry for your loss. We lost Army Spc.Joshua Justice Henry on 9-20-04. This was the hardest day of our lives. We honor these guys as our Heroes and hope no one else has to go through with what we are all dealing with. Rest in peace Nicholas, and thank you for serving your country to the fullest"
Henry family of Vandergrift , PA

"happy birthday nick.. i love you buddy <3... you are forever in my heart"
Catherine of philly, PA

"To the Zangara Family, I offer you my deepest condolences. I could never begin to express how greatful I am for the great sacrifice your son has given for this wonderful nation. From one military family to another, I salute your strength. To Nicholas, thank you soldier. You are my hero."
Tiffany Schroer of Louisville, Kentucky

"Our Dear Nick, We want to thank everyone who has opened their heart and expressed love, and sincere thoughts of you our Son. Your Mother and I remember getting so mad at some of the things you got into growing up, but you taught us how to get over the small things. We couldn't ever think of not having you around though and you expressed that same love to us many times in words and your unselfish love and deeds as we shared life together. Nick that Love never dies, You were a gift for just a short time and we will always know that You touched so many people with your kindness and we have always been proud of you because you are a beatuiful person and yes good looking. There will never be a day until the end of time for us that you will not be thought of with our broken hearts and Love. you said you felt you were doing the right thing helping the Iraq people there and we know it took real courage to stay and fufill your commentment to your duty. Your Mom cried because she wanted to be there with you as you left us but we take some confort knowing good people were there doing whatever they could and staying with you. God Bless you and all the brave young Americans and someday we will all be together again in peace forever. We Love you Nick."
Ed Burgstahler (step Father) of 3745 President St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19114

"Nick was one of them people who you would always notice. There was just something special about him, something no one else had. Its still hard to believe that he's gone. Everytime I think about him it just hurts and I keep thinking that this isn't real. When he went over the thought of him not coming back had never enter my mind. I just didn't think anything bad would happened to such a good person. Nick will be forever missed by all of us. Cya when I get there and love you!"
of Philly Morrell Park

"nick you will be missed so much. everyone in morrell and all over are so sad to see you go. whether they were best of friends with you or just meer aquantiances you have touched all of us in more ways then one. we will never forget the funny things you have done or anything for that matter. we love you nick!!!"
amanda of morrell

"MY HUSBAND ELJAY ROGERS WAS YOUR BUDDY IN IRAQ HE INFORMED ME OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND IT WAS VERY UPSETTING. I PRAY YOU WILL LOOK OVER THE REST OF YOUR BUDDIES WHO ARE THERE FIGHTING RIGHT NOW. PLEASE KEEP THEM SAVE AND BRING THEM HOME. I ALSO PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ALL DOING ALRIGHT, I SEND MY LOVE TO EVERYONE."
LISA ROGERS of LAKEWOOD, CO USA

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of this young man. My son is also in the 1/7th and we have shared this tragedy with you. Our prayers are with you."
Family of PFC Boman of Hobart, OK USA

"To my boy nick, Iam going to miss you alot. i heard you had a pic of me and kristi when you started the army! i just find out about it when u past. I hope you remember all the fun we had in washington high! I remember talking you in to not going to class and to go out in the court yard. Nick iam going to miss all the fun we had i wish we could go back in time and do it all over. i know in high school you talked about going in to the army but i thought it was all talk like most of the things you said. I just want to say this I love you and miss you.

To nicks family iam sorry for your lost. he was the friends of so many peolpe. just know he love's you and will never leave you and he will always be there for anyone that needs him. i know he when he frist come to washington high all i seen was his smile even if he is not smiling in any of the pic i have of him but ill still remember that smile. may god be with all of yous"
Maureen Picozzi of Parkwood phila pa

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

"Nick,
I remember when u went out with my cuz roseanne. U's made a cute couple. i'm glad we had u on our side to defend the country."
Wendi of Philly:

"Nick--im gonna miss u, never 4 get the times we had! I shud have listened to you! ha love u and miss u XoXo
Never 4gotten and 4ever Missen"
Jill of Philly, pa

"Nicholas
I only wish I knew you better. Thank you for protecting our freedom.. You are truly a hero."
Your Cousin of H. H. , New Jersey

"rest in peace nick ill miss u its a shame ull never be 4gotten see u when i get there!!!"
tara of philly...morrelll

"GOD BLESS THIS SOLDIER & FAMILY.AND LIKE TO EXTEND THANKS FOR BEING AN ""AMERICAN SOLDIER""& PROVIDING US WITH THE FREEDOM WE HAVE TODAY....A FELLOW PHILADELPHIAN."
J AVILES "PPD#4612 of PHILADELPHIA PA

"To the famil of Nicholas J. Zangara;

My deepest sympathies go out to your family as you mourn the loss of Nicholas. Our prayers are with you and we will continue to remember Nicholas as a true hero."
Vic and Tammy McClain of Tucson, AZ

"Rich and Family,
We are deeply saddened for your loss. I hope you take comfort knowing this. Nick is our special angel. Thank you for giving us this truly special gift. Love Ya Rich."
Angela @ the Melrose" Breakfast Club" of Philly/PA

"To Nicholas and family, Nicholas you will be missed very much. And I want you to know that your father is a great guy and misses you very much. He was a close friend of my mothers and you are in our prayers forever. You will be missed but always remembered as a fallen hero. Rest in Peace. We all love you back here in Philly"
Catherine Leone of Philadelphia, Pa

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

"Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Nicholas. We will remember all of you in our prayers. God bless those who choose to fight for our freedom."
The Starr Family of Pittsburgh Pa USA

"Thank you brave soldier for sacrificing your today for my children's safer tomorrow. You have our utmost respect and gratitude.
May G-d provide your family with comfort in their time of sorrow. May you forever rest in peace. Neither you nor your sacrifice will be forgotten.
A grateful citizen and a Proud Marine Mom, (purplelily219@yahoo.com)"
Lily of Wakefield MA

"To Nicholas' 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

"To Nicholas' 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 loved one's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

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

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

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on