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The Harding Family
September 15, 2020
We miss you more than words can say especially today on your 40th birthday. We will never, never forget.
The Harding Family
September 14, 2019
Thousands of memories are flooding our minds on this eve of yet another birthday without you. We take great consolation in all of those little signs that you are still near as we go about our day-to-day lives. Happy Birthday in Heaven Davey. You are sorely missed and will be forever in our hearts.
The Harding Family
May 3, 2018
Once again we are approaching the sad, sad anniversary (#12) of the day you were ripped from our lives. We miss you so much, and yet there are those moments that we still feel your Spirit all around us, and that gives us peace. Continue to keep watch over us Davey, for we know that as long as you are in our hearts you will live forever and never, never be forgotten.
The Harding Family
May 5, 2015
How can it be nine years? It seems like yesterday but it feels like forever. You are greatly loved and sadly missed more than words can say.
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The Harding Family
September 9, 2014
On yet another birthday and every day our hearts ache for the loss of you.
Bobby Michaud
August 26, 2014
RIP-Thanks for serving, My son was in your company at the time.
Charlie Gili
February 19, 2014
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Veverka Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of David M. Veverka US Army Staff Sergeant. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
nicole keniston
July 20, 2012
david, i'm sorry that it took me so long to get to the point where i could finally acknowledge that you're gone. the other day i saw a young man at the local store, and it knocked my breath away as though i had seen a ghost. he looked tremendously like you. i'm sorry that i didn't have the courage to go to youre funeral. i was in such denial that the most amazing man in the world, in my life was taken away. i had nightmares for months that it was wrong, that you werent really gone. anyway... it does my heart good to know that we will be together again some day, and it brings happy tears to my eyes to hear of all the people you touched, even more than i knew of which is beyond amazing. more than words baby, more than words remember? love you david!!!
Anne Meeker
May 8, 2012
It hit me a few days ago that this is the first time in six years that I haven't spent an hour or two on May 6th watching the sun come up over the lake at home, thinking about the first morning I spent there. I ran there to be alone, away from anyone else's grief, trying to wrap my head around this idea of permanence--that it wasn't a mistake, he really wouldn't come back. This is the first year without that private memorial, on the other side of the world, but it feels like closure, in a strange way. It's still an impossible idea, and I'm still eleven years old when I think about it, but a lot has changed. The memory of David, though, is one of the fixed stars by which to navigate, no matter what side of the world I'm on.
Peggy Childers
May 6, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka:
Always remembering David. "Some gave all."
James Theriault
December 16, 2011
I visit dale every year, one day I will visit you its already been almost six years since I stood with you in formation and rode out in convoy
Marie Shawkey
May 8, 2011
To David's family. I think about you daily David. I remember when you a little boy and you got hurt at the park sleding, always so quiet and kind. I also remember when you worked for us at our grocery store. You came to tell Regis you were going to Iraq and you wanted to say bye for now. And your mother, God love her, she said, "David, Tell them you don't want to go". You will always be in my heart. I dearly love you David, always know that I will never forget you. Hear me when I talk to you. Love, Marie
May 7, 2011
i was walking the beach today with my son, brian mccarthy, who went to Iraq with david and also dale, and i thought about you all...i wear a bracelet with his name on it and never take it off so i never will forget and will always pray for you all...bernadette
Peggy Childers
May 6, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka:
Please accept my remembrance of David on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
The Harding Family
May 5, 2011
Five years have passed and still we miss you so. You are often in our thoughts and always in our hearts.
Elizabeth Hilpert
January 5, 2011
SSG. David Ververka was a sweet fellow, with happy, smiling eyes. He and SSG. Dale Kelly had come into Log Base Seitz, Baghdad, to have their vehicle's AC fixed. One would stay and chat--and they both spoke only about their family that they loved so much--while the other went to get a bite to eat and shop at the onsite mini-PX. Two weeks later... I hope their families know what an honorable, standing room only packed memorial service they had at Log Base Seitz. There was a very nice slide show with all the photographs their fellow soldiers had of them. Many soldiers, choking back tears, spoke about both men. It was obviouis that they were very well liked and were a very positive force within their unit. SSG. David Ververka smiles when he didn't have to display "military bearing". SSG. David Ververka was the same age as my son, and my son soon was ambushed, survived, but was seriously injured. Know that your son will never be forgotten. He is among our nation's very finest. I wish that he had lived, he had so many plans. I bet SSG. David Ververka is standing guard at heaven's gate, and with his love of life and animals, I bet there will be some precious little animals in heaven, too.
Catherine Kropp
May 7, 2010
At David's memorial in Orono, Maine yesterday, five members of David's company and two from the University wildlife department honored David and prayed for him together under his beautiful oak tree.
We can never forget you, David. You inspire and lead us every day. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you.
Peggy Childers
May 7, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka:
Remembering David on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
The Harding Family
May 6, 2010
Four years have passed since that awful day; we miss you so much.
Elisha Cram
May 6, 2010
You are forever in our thoughts...thank you for your sacrifice.
The Harding Family
September 14, 2009
On your birthday and every day, we just keep missing you.
bernadette manley
May 9, 2009
remembering david this week, again...i wear the bracelet that my son brian gave me when he came home, bearing david and dale kelly's names and never ever forget them or their families...i pray often for you all. i met you all last year, when you received david's medals and awards. god bless you all!
Peggy Childers
May 7, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka:
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
Kenna Larra
April 14, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Memorial at Camp Adder
January 27, 2009
Stew Stew
August 15, 2008
Dave,
Think of you often. You and your family will always be in my prayers.
-Stew
Sarah
August 13, 2008
I still miss you every day but I'm finally at peace since I visited your final resting place. What an honor to be buried among such brave men and women. The birds really liked to be near you there. Still thinking of you and all that you did for us.
Elisha
August 12, 2008
I miss you Dave.
August 4, 2008
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Veverka,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave women and men like Staff Sgt. Veverka.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Staff Sgt. Veverka to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].
May 29, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Veverka!
Part of the crew with Dave in 2003, Attica, Indiana
Gabriel Fontaine
March 31, 2008
I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of David. I am very troubled as I just learned the news today from a mutual friend. We worked together in Indiana during the summer of 2003. I didn't know him very well but what I remember is his general happiness and everyday good mood no matter what the weather threw at us. Remember him well, my thoughts go to him.
SPC Z
November 3, 2007
Rest In Peace SSG Veverka. It's sad the last time I saw you was when you were about to head out that day...
Condolences to the family and friends of him.
The Harding family
October 19, 2007
A page in the book of memory silently turns each day,
for memories are forever, "They are just away."
No one knows the silent heartaches,
only those who have loved can tell,
the grief we bear in silence
for the one we loved so well.
Loved like a son and like a brother - forever mourned as a son and as a brother.
jb
September 7, 2007
I was at Arlington this last weekend, just doing the usual tourist thing. I walked down to the Iraq graves to pay respects. I took pictures to make sure I remember the sacrifice these men and women made. I was just looking at my pictures. I didn't notice until just now, the forefront of all of them is the headstone of David Veverka, born 9/15/80... the same day as me. I promise you I will remember him in my prayers from this day forward.
September 7, 2007
I was at Arlington this last weekend, just doing the usual tourist thing. I walked down to the Iraq graves to pay respects. I took pictures to make sure I remember the sacrifice these men and women made. I was just looking at my pictures. I didn't notice until just now, the forefront of all of them is the headstone of David Veverka, born 9/15/80... the same day as me. I promise you I will remember him in my prayers from this day forward.
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 27, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Veverka and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Anne Meeker
May 23, 2007
David's gentle and loving spirit permeates everything I do. He was my cousin, my role model, my hero. Everything I wasn't sure about, I'd ask myself, what would David do? I remember his last visit to our house. I was called out of my bedroom and remembered him instantly. We all sat and talked for what seemed like hours, and he brought his laptop out to show us some pictures of the baby seals he had worked with. One of the best pictures sits above my bed now, along with the picture of him in full military dress. When he was about to leave, he wrapped me up in a bear hug. Thank you, David, for the consideration to leave me one last memory of you.
bernadette manley
May 7, 2007
i was thinking about david today. it was a year ago at my grand-daughter's birthday party, that my son, brian, who went over to iraq with david and the others, called during his daughter's birthday party to tell me the awful news. again, this year i was at her birthday, and remembered david, but i wear his name on a bracelet, so i do pray for him and all of you every day. god bless you all, david was a most remarkable man and soldier. i can't even imagine such a loss. god bless you, bernadette
Trista Wilkerson
May 6, 2007
I send my condolences to your family as one year passes. I'm sure you think about him every minute of your day. He died for us and he is a hero for that. I hope day by day things get easier for you. He is missed greatly,
Love,
Trista Wilkerson
(Jones)
Memorial Wall for Dave in my home.
Kecia Myers
May 6, 2007
Dave-
Marking a year since you passed, it is still as alarming today as it was May 6, 2006 to think of never seeing you again. I pray for peace, comfort, and the great memories to be remembered by those who had the pleasure of being your family, or could call you "friend". We love and miss you dearly!
Garnet Jenkins
May 6, 2007
May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka, remain in your heart always.
Please know how deeply sorry I was, to learn of the loss of this Brave Young Soldier. A Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Those who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sarah Spencer
May 3, 2007
I can't believe it's been almost a year since we learned that our friend was gone. Dave was a wonderful man and an inspiration to those who knew him. He was my right hand man in The Wildlife Society and had such a profound influence on the students and teachers at the University of Maine. This weekend we will honor Dave with a permanent memorial at the University of Maine, and it gives me peace knowing that any time I come back to visit I will be able to sit under a beautiful red oak tree planted in David's honor. He planted a seed in all of us.
natasha polley
May 2, 2007
i am the sister of david veverka and i just want to thank everyone that had posted comments on here this is my first time looking at this and i am just so greatful that people do this
bernadette manley
March 20, 2007
B co 3/172nd Mtn Inf soldiers arrived safely home last weekend, and i have thought so much about david and dale, and i pray for them always, and wear a bracelet with both their names. I was there to welcome my son home, and wished they were with them. I will never forget the sacrifice david made for all of us, and the sacrifice you have given...god bless you all. you are never, ever forgotten. with love from a mother, who can never ever tell you how much she cares for you all.bernadette manley
Spc Travis Hodsdon
March 15, 2007
ssg veverka was an amazing man and taught me everything i know. it was an honor and aprivilage to fight beside him in combat. not only is he watching over all of us but he will always live in our hearts as family memebers and B co 3/172nd Mtn Inf soldiers.
Portland ME
March 10, 2007
Rest in Peace
Catherine Amy Kropp
August 6, 2006
Today, it is three months since the day David died, and it still feels like yesterday. I knew David at the University of Maine where he was kindest person and one of the very best students in the wildlife ecology department. He was my wonderful friend. The students who knew him (graduate and undergraduate) are going about their summer field work with quiet, inspired energy, knowing David is still with us. He left so much for us to do and to celebrate, and yet we are heart-broken. God bless him and his mother and father and brothers and sister. My life is blessed for having known such a special, extraordinary person. I am deeply touched by the entries in honor of David in this guest book. I attended his funeral in Arlington and will never ever forget it. I wish I could have come to Jamestown, too, for his homecoming. My heart reaches out to his family and friends and to all the people who have been touched by him and his life.
With love and hope,
Catherine Kropp
Chad Pickering
June 10, 2006
To the familly of SSG David Veverka, My name is SSG Chad E. Pickering. I just wanted to let you know that I am deeply sorry for your loss and that you are in my Prayers! David was attached to me when he first got to The Old Guard in 2000. He was an outstanding soldier and never had to be told anything twice. Always on time and could be counted on to be doing the right thing. His act of heroism is not surprising in the least! All that knew him know that he was as selfless as they come and always put others before himself. Mr. and Mrs. Veverka my hat is off to you and I salute you for your job in raising a son with such morals and standards, and for raising him with such a good and caring heart. For a brief time in my career he made my job easy! Thank you
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
May 25, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Veverka family in the loss of David. I did not know David,( I lived in the Bangor/Easton PA area for 52 years) but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. David you are a hero and you will never be forgotten. I live fairly close to Arlington National Cemetery and visit there often. During my last visit I stopped by and visited and honored David. I will be there this Friday as well and I promise you that each time I go I will stop and honor David.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
bernadette manley
May 24, 2006
i just want to tell you how sorry i am to hear of the loss of david. I am the mother of ssg. brian mccarthy serving also in iraq and from Bravo 3-172, Mountain Infantry Battalion. Brian called me the day after, and my heart sank to hear that someone he respected and cared for was gone. i am so very very sorry. We are parents, and we are parents of heroes, all we can do is be proud of them. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. I am praying for you all. God bless David, he is indeed a hero to our country. God Bless You All. Bernadette Manley
Pat Canfall
May 20, 2006
My condolences to the Veverka family. David may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.
Mark Fields
May 18, 2006
Rest in Peace.
John Kuchta
May 18, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of David. To the best of my knowledge David is the first member of our extended family to give his life for his country. I am sure his grandparents are extremely proud of him and have welcomed him into their eternal home. He represents the ultimate act of heroism to our family. Semper Fi - Cousin John F. Kuchta
Mary Ghaney
May 18, 2006
To Sgt. Veverka's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your David is a true American Hero. He will always be remembered as one. You are in our prayers. May God Bless you all and God Bless David.
May 17, 2006
To the Family of Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and frankly it still feels like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort. When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
Pat McMonagle
May 17, 2006
I am very sure that Dave is in the arms of his Grandfather and Grandmother and they are taking care of him and looking down on you with joy and pride in this special boy that you brought into this world to give such joy and courage to all of us. Love Aunt Pat
Dianne Werner
May 16, 2006
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved soldier, SSGT David M. Veverka. I pray the Lord gives you peace and comfort in this most difficult time
A Proud 172 Stryker Mom
ROBYN GARSIDE
May 16, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A MARINE MOM
Kathy, Mike,Becky & Mike Grimm
May 15, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to Dave's family and friends. He was a kind and gentle young man. He touched so many lives and we are proud to have known him. Thank you, Dave. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
May 15, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I did not know David I want to thank him for defending our country. You should be proud of him.
SSgt Chad Forsythe
May 14, 2006
My deepest sympathy goes out to Dave’s parents and the rest of his family. Dave was a very unique person to know and I am glad I got the chance to know him. I was home at the time that he was brought into Jamestown and I attended it downtown with the rest of the town. It was very touching to see practically the whole town show up and line the streets with American flags showing their love and support. In fact it was the most beautiful sight that I have seen in awhile. It goes to show that we have a very close bond with the other people that live there among us and we should all be proud to have neighbors like that. Thank you for serving our country Dave.
Colleen Brown
May 13, 2006
We are sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to Dave's parents, family and friends. He dated my niece in high school and we all were quite fond of him. He was a great guy!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Dave.
May 12, 2006
Thank you David, and God Bless your family.
Elisha McVay
May 12, 2006
Dave was a great friend. He had so much motivation and drive, and he had goals and worked hard to attain them. His enthusiasm for life showed through in everything he did, and I absolutely thought the world of him. My condolences to his family, he will be missed very much and never forgotten.
georgia anthony
May 12, 2006
Your son gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and I thank you. A mother from Ohio
May 12, 2006
Please know that David will be your gurdian angel. We thank and appreciate him for standing up for his country. May god bless your family.
Someone who appreciates all soldiers & their families
May 12, 2006
I am very sorry for your loss. Someone so young, with a whole life ahead of him. But, I'm sure he died doing what he wanted to do, and for the freedom of all americans everywhere. A special prayer for David and his family and soldiers everywhere. God bless you all.
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