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Brian Connelly Obituary

Army combat engineer in Iraq Corporal Brian M. Connelly of Union Beach, N.J., a combat engineer with Company A, 40th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, in Adhamiyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. Corporal Connelly was born Sept. 14, 1982. He graduated from Red Bank Regional High School, Red Bank, in 2000, and also attended Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. Among his many interests were salt water fishing, video games and practical jokes. Corporal Connelly joined the Army in 2006. He completed basic and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in January 2007. He joined the 40th Engineer Battalion, Baumholder, Germany, in January 2007 and deployed with his unit to Iraq in April 2008. His awards and decorations include the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He has been awarded posthumously the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Action Badge. He has been posthumously promoted to corporal. He was predeceased by his grandparents, William and Jean Connelly; his grandmother, Barbara Dammann; and his father-in-law, Robert A. Thomas, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Kara Connelly, Union Beach; his mother and father, Jean and Mark Dammann, Union Beach; his brother, Kevin Connelly, Union Beach; his grandfather, Carl Dammann, Holmdel; his mother-in-law, Mary Jo Cittadino, West Long Branch; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert A. Thomas III and Katherine Thomas, Belmar; his aunt and uncle, Linda and Bart Babiak, Colts Neck, N.J., his aunt and uncle, Alice and Thomas Connelly, Ohio; his uncle, William Connelly, Union Beach; his cousins, Matthew and Laura Babiak, Colts Neck; his cousin, Thomas Connelly, Jr., and Thomas's daughter Kailey, Ohio; and his cousins, Lauren and Randy Smith, and Randy's son, Sean, North Carolina. A visitation for Corporal Connelly will be held at the Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport, N.J., from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 6. A memorial service for family and friends to honor the memory of Corporal Connelly will be held at Day Funeral Home at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7. Corporal Connelly will be buried with full military honors at Forest Green Park Cemetery, 535 Texas Road, Morganville, N.J., immediately following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fisher House Foundation or to Army Emergency Relief. To donate to the Fisher House Foundation, please make checks payable to Fisher House Foundation in memory of Corporal Brian M. Connelly and mail to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., at 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, Md. 20850. You may also call the Fisher House Foundation to donate at 888-294-8560 or donate online at www.fisherhouse.org, again specifying that the donation is being made in memory of Corporal Brian M. Connelly. To donate to Army Emergency Relief, please make checks payable to Army Emergency Relief in memory of Corporal Brian M. Connelly and mail to Army Emergency Relief, 200 Stovall Street, Room 5-N-13, Alexandria, Va., 22332-0600. You may also donate online at www.aerhq.org, specifying that the donation is being made in memory of Corporal Brian M. Connelly.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Star-Ledger on Mar. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Connelly

Not sure what to say?





February 26, 2013

proud to have serve with you and getting to know you as a solider and fried during those long hours in the tower pulling guard duty , the years have pass and you are still missed

Peggy Childers

February 26, 2012

To the family and friends of Spc. Brian M. Connelly:
Always remembering Brian. "Some gave all."

Anna Connelly

March 4, 2011

You are missed Brian

March 4, 2011

Brian, again our flag flew at half mast for a week of the anniversary of your passing. Aunt Ann and I believe in standing behind all of the service men and woman who serve so bravely in this never ending war. We know Brian like yourself there has been so many of America's Young People taken away far to early in their short lives and away from loved ones and families. Brian we pray that you are at peace and resting until the day the good lord comes and takes the very best of the best to heaven first. The rest of us will gladly wait our turn as our hero's will be the brightest of shinning stars to finally take your places on high. Brian you know that Aunt Ann and I fly OLD GLORY EVERYDAY because we love our country and we respect all that is good in it, and against all that is wrong with it. Aunt Ann and I hold you dear to our hearts as we continue to pray for you and for your Mother,Father,Wife, Brother, Aunt's and Uncles. God Bless,hold and keep you all.

Peggy Childers

February 26, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. Brian M. Connelly:
Please accept my remembrance of Brian on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Elizabeth Raab

May 6, 2010

To the Connelly Family.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. Heroes are few and far between. Know in your heart and mind that your son is standing proudly watching over you from heaven. May God Bless you and Keep you during this time of sorrow. I will forever keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

Anna Connelly

April 3, 2010

Brian, we fly our flag of freedom every single day, but on the day the angels took you home our flag flew at half mast for a great American HERO named Brian M. Connelly. It also fly's at half mast on special day's of rememberance such as vetrans day and memorial day. The rest of the time our flag fly's for the very freedom you fought for and gave all for. We love you Brian and will carry you in our heart's forever Aunt Ann Connelly.

Anna Connelly

April 3, 2010

We love and miss you Brian and we are so proud of you for being just who you were, and still are to Aunt Ann

Peggy Childers

February 26, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. Brian M. Connelly:
Remembering Brian 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

Donna Gillette

December 5, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

Aunt Ann Connelly

November 13, 2009

Dear Nephew we know you saw our flag flying at half mast on vetrans day as it will every military day of honor and of course on the day the angels took you home. Aunt Ann Loves you son so very deeply Brian M.Connelly. Rest IN Peace dear Nephew I LOVE YOU AND Miss You Aunt Ann

Kenna Larra

November 10, 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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 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!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

Betty Nielsen

June 25, 2009

Our deepest sympathy for the lost of a hero. I know words can never express the pain you are going through. None of us can really say we understand you pain unless we walk your shoes. that pain doesn't go away it is in your heart forever until the day you see your son again. My name is Betty Nielsen the founder of freedom quilts and I would be so honor to send you a quilt to honor your son. We are so proud of your son and all he has done to keep this country safe. The sacrifice is to much for anyone to really understand why someone so young decided to take up arms to defend not only his family but his country. Only a hero would do that and that is what your son is a true hero to his family and country. May God give you the strength to carry on and to take one day at a time. My email if you wish to contact us is [email protected] and my website is www.freedomquilts.net Your son will always be remember as a hero to his country for the freedom he made sure we keep.

Kenna Larra

May 14, 2009

“Honor and Remember” – [email protected] / www.heropaintings.com. Please know that you are not alone when you grieve for our fallen heroes.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Kenna

Gary Tolle

April 19, 2009

Brian, I just wanted to say thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation. Like so many others you have volunteered to serve our country and protect the vary freedom America was built on. Please know Brian that you like so many other fallen brother and sisters in arms that you will never be forgotten and you are heroes to us all. My nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward also paid the ultimate price on 5/6/08 while on a routine patrol in Anbar Province as an MP. His unit was ambushed and came under small arms fire and he was taken from us. Not a day goes by that I do not think of him and all our brave heroes serving in our armed services. I stand tall and salute you Brian and will forever honor the memory of you along with my nephew. To the Connelly family words cannot express enough the pain both our families now must endure and my prayer is that the memory of your brave hero carry you through each day as you cope with this tragic loss. Since the loss of my nephew I have written on every single legacy page of every fallen soldier and included a photo of my nephew. I encourage you to do the same to Aaron's page. I have done this to honor my nephew but to let you know your loved one is not alone and my nephew is with him and they are now in God's gracious hands waiting for us to join them one day. From the bottom of my heart please except my sincere condolences and may the memories of your Hero carry you through each day for he will never be forgotten!

Suzanne MacDaniel

April 15, 2009

To the Connelly family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Brians' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04
~ Suzanne MacDaniel

LCDR Ron Rutan

April 7, 2009

I am writing on behalf of LCDR Ron Rutan, who was on the plane with Cpl. Connelly when he left Iraq. Ron sent this story in an email back to his friends and family. Wanted to share his unique side of the story with you, in Ron's words:

"I left the International Zone on the mid-day ‘Rhino’, used the local busses at Virginia Base Complex to get to the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), was told to come back and ‘sing in’ at 2200 for flights the following day, and checked into the ‘stables’ late in the day. Luck was with me…At 2200 they told me they had room on the next flight at 2230. I met up with Drew (who was on Emergency Leave – His father-in-law had died at 84 years old. He was going home to support his wife during these trying times) and we flew out together.

So now it gets difficult.

Bunch of happy dudes and dudettes getting on the plane to go home. Much in the way of smiles and talking amongst strangers. Except for Drew and I, no one knew each other…and Drew and I weren’t talking – he was distressed, and I knew he was in pain. After we loaded the plane the air crewman stood up on the jump seats (C-130’s are not known for their comfort) and made an announcement – “We will not be landing in Kuwait directly. We will be delayed about an hour or so at another airport. We will have honored remains with us. We will pay our respects when we land – you will be given directions on the ceremony.” Complete silence. We all watched while an honor guard slowly brought the flag draped casket onboard and gently placed it onboard. Cargo was then loaded and locked down. No one spoke. A few wiped their eyes – I was one of them. We flew for an hour or so and landed at the airport for which I can’t remember the name. All the passengers got out the side door and walked to the back of the aircraft. We stood in ranks 2 deep. There were civilians with us. They stood in ranks with us. The temperature was cold in the desert in the middle of the night…in the 40s or 50s. We didn’t have jackets. No one complained. The Marine Sgt issued orders and the honor guard picked up the casket and slowly brought him off the plane. We (civilians included) rendered the 4 second slow salute. Held it until he passed. Then ended the salute with the 4 second release. I shed a few more tears. No one spoke. We boarded the plane in silence.

I thought you might want to know this soldier who gave his life for his country."

Gary Allain

April 4, 2009

SPC. BRIAN M. CONNELY
You are my hero may god keep you in his arms forever.

Stephanie Rafoss

March 29, 2009

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Ginger Pitts

March 23, 2009

My son, Cpl Pitts, Kyle L., served with Brian as a combat engineer with A Co 40th Engr. I am and will be forever greatful for the sacrifice and commitment Brian made for each and every one of us by serving our country. To all Brians family and friends, my Very Deepest and Heartfelt Sympathy.

Dir. Ben Mannes, ABIM/TS

March 18, 2009

Words cannot express the gratitude felt from the bottom of my heart. Brian took the responsibility of fighting for the protection of our nation and our free way of life. In a nation that's rapidly becoming more and more selfish and lazy, Brian's sacrifice serves as the highest example of bravery and selflessness. Brian, you will not be forgotten.
God bless you and keep you and all your brothers and sisters fighting for our great nation.

Stephen Posell

March 17, 2009

Thank you and your son for the sacrifices made to help preserve our freedoms as americans. I hope your family finds strength in this time of need. God Bless America

Daren & Jim Hutchinson

March 16, 2009

Our words of sympathy seem so inadequate for the deep sorrow your family is going through. While we have never met , our family wanted to reach out to you with the hope that you can know and feel, that in addition to your family and Brian's close friends, people like us are also keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers. We hope your strength in these difficult days ahead will come from knowing how much love and support surround you. Brian made the greatest sacrifice of all for what he believed in. This by no means lessens your pain, but hopefully will allow you peace. Take pride in all that Brian represents and the respet that is so richly his forever. Semper Fi...The Hutchinson Family (proud parents of a US Marine)

Butch Sherman

March 12, 2009

Although I did not know you .You are a true HERO thank you for being a person who gave all to keep me and my family free and safe. I lost my daughter Heather on 2/18/09 I'm sure you will see her in Heaven. God be with you and your family.

HOPE BROWN

March 11, 2009

R.I.P. BRIAN YOU ARE FOREVER LOVED AND IN OUR HEARTS. I"LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AS THAT CUTE LITTLE BOY IN PRESCHOOL WITH FAITH.
LOVE
HOPE

Nancy Chard Jones

March 10, 2009

As the mother of a soldier, I want to extend to you my deepest sympathy for the terrible loss of this fine young man. Words cannot express the sadness...God Bless You all.

Amy Lingle

March 10, 2009

As one of the families of the fallen, we want to send our prayers to you. His sacrifice will never be forgotten. Don't move on until you are ready to; and try to remember that it helps to talk about him every day.

Bruce Totten

March 10, 2009

Our sympathies and prayers to you for the loss of a husband, son and brother. Brian's supreme sacrifice for our Freedoms will never be forgotten. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

R.i.p uncle brian

Tiffany Stenquist

March 9, 2009

i may not have know you but i cried forever when i found out you died the good die young im so sorry for your wife and mother my prayers are with you and your family i still cry to this day just thinking about you i helped my mom decorate my house for you i wanted to go to the army but now knowing it took a good young man like you way to early i dont want to go anymore i am so depressed i have been i cry all the time i was looking at pictures today and started crying i know you were friends with my dad and he was in the army with you so you came over my house a couple of times and knowing your gone just like that kills me i am crying as i type this ='( i miss you like crazy i wanted to go to your house and start a candle light memorial im going to go crazy because your gone i feel like i was so close to you i miss you so much R.i.p uncle Brian i love you

My amazing uncle brian R.i.p

March 9, 2009

Kathy Schoenleber

March 9, 2009

God Bless!!!

Harry Kneute

March 7, 2009

I am very sorry for the familys lost. also sorry I was not free to attend services I am chaplain
........
of VFW Post 4247 Keyport

GI Joe SCM, VNV M/C

March 7, 2009

On behalf of the Vietnam Vets M/C we offer our deepest condolences, May he rest in Peace, All Gave Some, Some Gave All.

Michael Mezis

March 6, 2009

May God grant peace to our departed soldier and his comfort to all those Brian leaves behind.

Jim Hall

March 6, 2009

He has answered the call. And now may he rest in peace.
May God bless.

Declan Quinn

March 6, 2009

Brian's sacrifice and the sacrifice of your family will not be forgotten by the people he protected.

We thank you!

Rusty & Mary Beth Gerstenmier

March 6, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Michael Fountoulakis

March 6, 2009

With deepest sympathy.

Paul Sniffen

March 6, 2009

The Red Bank Veterans extend their condolences to the Connelly Family.
Brian will never be forgotten.

John & Christine Brosonski

March 6, 2009

Words can not express our sorrow at the loss of Brian. His committment to his country will never be forgotten. We can never repay what he has done except keep his memory in our hearts alive. God Bless Brian and his family.

Bob & Susan Mauro

March 6, 2009

Connelly Family: May your memories of Brian bring you solice. His love of country and his ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered by the Elks of NJ.

James Cowan

March 6, 2009

There is no greater love than a man should give up his life saving the lives of others...and no greater loss than that of the life of a child.
On behalf of the Officers and Members of West Orange Elks Lodge No. 1590, our deepest and most profound sympathy.

James J. Cowan, Exalted Ruler

Richard and Patricia Hamilton

March 6, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for your husband and son Brian who served with his country with honor.

Richard & Jean Pachucki

March 6, 2009

May God bless Brian and his family. May their sacrifice never be forgotten by those that he fought to protect.

The Powell's

March 6, 2009

We are sadden and humbled that your son gave his life for us to be free. Know our thoughts and prayers are with your family!

Sharon Walton

March 6, 2009

To the family of Brian Connelly: I did not know this great soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice to the war on terror. May his spirit shine down on his family. Thank you for protecting our country. GOD SPEED CORPORAL CONNELLY.

Peggy Childers

March 6, 2009

To the family of Spc. Brian M. Connelly:
Brian 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

Debra and Joseph Czech

March 5, 2009

Our hearts are saddened for your loss; but are swelled with pride for the honor and service Brian gave to protect our freedoms in this great country. Our prayers are forever with you. God Bless Brian and your family.

March 5, 2009

God Bless Brian. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with Brian's wife and family.

Barbara Baird
Joe Rice Deputy Chief UBFD

Josiah Griffin

March 5, 2009

Brian was one of the finest Soldiers I've ever worked with. He was tireless and devoted to every task that we had to do. He made sure I stayed awake once when we drove through the night to get to a training area on the other side of Germany. He had a knack for remembering stuff that others would forget, which really helped keep things organized. He will be missed by so many. My deepest regards go out to his family, his wife, and his friends back home.

Josiah Griffin,
Former A Company/40th Engineer Battalion Executive Officer

Jeannette & Wayne Hosier

March 5, 2009

Sorry for your loss, It was honor for my husband to be part of services to honor your son. Honor to bring a Hero home. As a firefighter it touch all of us deeply.

Love
The Hosier Family & Station 65-3 Union beach fire company #1

Carlone Family

March 5, 2009

To the Connelly Family,
God's most choicest blessings at this time of great sorrow. We thank you for your son and his service to our country. Thank you Corporal Connelly for keeping us free. God Bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand.

Richard & Cindy Bard

March 5, 2009

God Bless you and your family. You will be in our prayers.Thank you for your servive

Safely Home

Michael Iezzi

March 5, 2009

Father we entrust our brother Brian to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Brian in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

Maureen DiBiasi

March 5, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Brian deserves every honor bestowed on him for his sacrifice for our freedom.

Lorraine Morrison

March 5, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies and prayers for the family. God bless

michael montelli

March 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Brian may god bless you and your family.

The Montelli Family

Johnnie McCutcheon

March 5, 2009

There will never be a word or words to take away your pain. We send our condolence and we HONOR BRIAN he gave the ultimate. GOD BLESS YOU BRIAN, THANK YOU WARRIOR.
Thank you for your sarifice too, dear family. GOD BLESS YOU.

Eileen

March 5, 2009

Edmund Burke once said "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." Brian has done his part on behalf of our great nation. I thank him for his ultimate sacrifice as well as you for your now unending sacrifice. God Bless You all.

Darlene Smith

March 5, 2009

My prayers are with the family I lost my son in Iraq on Sept 30 he too was in Germany( Spc. Christopher A Bartkiewicz) they may have been friends. The pain is great all we can do is pray for strength and understanding. We now belong to the new norm. If you need to talk I am an email away. God bless ya'll

Patrick J. McDonnell

March 5, 2009

Thank you for your service to our country.

Edward A. Bennett

March 5, 2009

No greater gift does a man give than his life in the service of his country. May the Lord bring peace to your family and solace to your friends. May all who have made the ultimate scarifice before you welcome you into thier ranks. We Americans salute you and will remember you.

Tom Madigan

March 5, 2009

Thank You for your sacrifice and Thank You for my Freedom! May the Good Lord watch over your family and comfort them.

Michele Rivera

March 5, 2009

My deepest sympathy to your entire family, I did not have the pleasure of meeting such a great and honorable soldier but I just needed to say thank you for protecting our country..may you rest in peace Corporal Connelly..
Regards,
The Rivera Family

SHIRLEY DONEY

March 5, 2009

REST IN PEACE SPC. CONNELLY, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

Vickie Turner-Garrison

March 4, 2009

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved Brian...Heroes never die they live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew and loved them...I will never forget the sacrifice that Brian made for this country...God Bless

Soldier Mom

Aunt to a Hero PFC. Ricky Lee Turner
KIA 1-16-2009

Proud American

Pat Twombly

March 4, 2009

Brian was my sons roommate in Iraq.
He has referred to Brian as "everyones brother". I know he will be missed. He is a true hero and has has my utmost respect. Blessings to his family.

Linda Norris

March 3, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kevin Gibbons

March 3, 2009

To The Family & Friends Of Spc Connelly, I Cannot Describe The Pain Your Feeling, ive been through this before as i lost 5 cousins and 4 best friends in the war. i just wish it would stop. I encourage you to watch hbo because they made a movie about my cousin chance's homecoming. Its called taking chance. if you need anyone to talk to i am here. as i have 1 older brother and one younger brother in the war so far. my family has been through enough. anyways please remember your son, husband, father, friend, nephew and brother as a good guy and he gave his life for our country's freedom. thank you spc connelly for your bravery, sacrifice & courage
rip and that is why im proud to be an american

Mary Francis

March 2, 2009

I'm truly sorry for your loss. Your son/husband was brave and still is brave for making the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country. May he rest in peace.

Denise Francis

March 2, 2009

Im so sorry for you loss. may he rest in peace! He will always be in my prayers! He truly was a hero in many ways! and that i am truly thankful for! Thank you for having a son and husband who is a hero!

sally graham

March 2, 2009

thanks Brian for all your hard work and service . i'm blessed that i got a chance to meet you while i was in germany. you Are missed...

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

March 2, 2009

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Spc Brian M. Connelly our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Brian. And to Brian it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Iraq. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Brian, you are a brave American Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Brian’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Henryk Zaleski USN (Ret)

March 2, 2009

Rest in peace.

Gary

March 1, 2009

A true American hero.God bless Brian and his family.

T T

March 1, 2009

Rest in Peace Brave Warrior...Thank you for my freedom..
With Love
T~
Sister of a Fallen Marine

Kerin Hearn

March 1, 2009

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. My son is in the Navy and I can't imagine what you're going through right now. Please remember you're not grieving alone, others feel your pain. Without brave men like Spc Brian Connelly, I would not have the freedom I enjoy every day. I feel it's my duty now to pay respect to him for his ultimate sacrifice. God bless you in your time of need and bring you peace.

Garnet Jenkins

March 1, 2009

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of
Spc. Brian M. Connelly, the Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Brian Rest Safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may God's Healing Grace be with the Connelly family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam, in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Brian, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Spec Brian M. Connelly

March 1, 2009

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We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Brian Connelly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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