Dennis J. Flanagan Obituary

Who you'd be today...

Miss you.

You were my hero.

Another Father's Day has come and gone. Glad you "stopped" by for that brief moment yesterday. Miss you still.

The cardinals abound, dragonflies escorting me in fighter formation, your dad talking about his sweaty funky smell, talking about laughter of a young boy - You are present always but hugs and kisses will have to wait.

You are a super friend. I miss you!

I smile when I think of you.
So young...but you were here once. Love ya

Thinking of your family today and always...

The Scott Family

Lessons learned. Taking chances. Miss you still. See you soon, just like you said.

The seventh anniversary of your passing and on this day of a celebration of freedom, please know that we will be eternally grateful for you, your sacrifice and service to all of us.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan:
It has truly been my honor to sign Dennis' guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Dennis will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

January 20, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan:
Always remembering Dennis. "Some gave all."

I miss you Dennis..your smile most of all. You were such a great friend to me, and I think of you often.

Everyone says that grief eventually lessens and the loss gets easier. It's been six years, but it doesn't seem any easier. It's like a wound that does not heal...it may scab over...but then it opens and bleeds terribly all over again. I miss your smile and your voice so much

after all these years I still feel alot of guilt for coming back in one piece.had alot of trouble re adjusting back to normal life, getting some help now for my family, but it still bugs me that a great guy like you didn't have a chance to live a life. I miss all of you guys, and hopefully I'll get a chance to visit you and the others.

It is hard to believe that you would have been 28 years old this Mother's Day. I was asked recently how old you would have been now.
The Jr youth group have gathered and boxed enough supplies to fill 75 boxes for CPl Taylor's unit in Afghanistan. I think of it as part of your legacy- the foundation is paying the cost of the shipping and indirectly because I shared your story and told them how much this group of young people was hurting as a result of Taylor's death.
So your present this year is the most expensive and not even for you. It is however because of you that it is being done. Happy 28th birthday beloved son.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan:
Please accept my remembrance of Dennis on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Flanagan Family,

Thinking of you on this day.

God I miss that boy. Here's a part he shared with me to help with closure.

http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/5447499

I had a dream I visited you at Arlington. I couldnt find your grave. I have a few days off this week. I'm going to go down to VA and pay my respects. I know you are not there, but I am. I remember the day you were buried. I remember seeing your sister praying at your coffin. I remember that day like every memory of you. Thank you for the dreams.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan:
Remembering Dennis 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

Memorial Day Weekend!! Your old ringtone, Route 24 through Clarksville, Crown,Memphis Belle, how you loved to be a soldier more than most...I wish I got to know you even better so I can remember more about you! Carry on Dennis! Miss you Mimon!!! You were a huge impact in my life. Sun in my Sky!"I love you more than anthing..."

”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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Dennis, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the Flanagan family and all.We shall FOREVER stand for our fallen Heroes.

To the family of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan:
Dennis 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

It's almost that time again, rest in peace brother!

Beloved son,

I have waited to write because I thought time would help me distill what I wished to remember about you. It hasn't. If anything more memories and more stories are competing for space within my heart.
The other day Noella, Adrianna and I were at the Inverness Christmas Parade. Upon seeing some young men march by in fatigues, Noella asked where you were. When I told her that you weren't marching in the parade she replied, "But Uncle Dennis is always in the parade!!"
Holding it together by remembering how many times you marched in a parade, smiling and answering her, "Yes, he marched in quite a few parades but not this one." She wanted to continue the conversation but was diverted by the next group coming by.
We have been so blessed and are grateful for having had you in our lives as well as for you living your life in such a way that those who knew you remember you fondly. So many people paused their lives to come, shed a tear, or pay respects in any of several hundred ways.
I am still telling the story of that first Memorial Day after your death. It was breaking my heart afresh that I couldn't go to Arlington that weekend, that you would not have a mourner at your grave.... name a reason it was probably among those feelings. I felt like I was letting you down because you always made such a big deal about Memorial Day not being just about the parties and sales yet your own mother wouldn't be there among the headstones paying my respects. We were moving Marissa's household, your things and car down from Ft Campbell to our house. I started your car and turned on the radio. "Arlington" was playing. I was tempted to switch the station but listened and let what tears appeared to fall freely. Next song didn't make it any easier, " Travelling Soldier" as I remembered the first time I heard its words- I cried then, too. Which surprised your dad. "American Soldier", and so it continued. I remembered it was Memorial Day Weekend which made it easier for a while.
The station faded, hit seek and the first song playing was Arlington. Hit the seek again- Arlington. By the time I got to the third station playing Arlington without missing a line or word of the song, almost like I never changed the channel- I gave up and tried just to regain my composure as I yelled at you in my head," I can't come to Arlington! Not this year! We were just there for your birthday. We are doing for the living. I am sorry but not this year, it can't happen. " Then I told you to shut up- or speak louder because I couldn't understand what you were trying to say.
The entire day whenever the channel faded I would hit seek and Arlington was always the first song on. I just left it on whatever station came in until it faded figuring that I would hear the song less that way.
I remembered how you sang it in full voice with all your friends that last weekend before you left and I would sing along.
I talked to God and asked Him to explain to you that we couldn't go and that was the end of it. Next morning- first song on the radio- Arlington! Okay, I am sorry but please DJ just give me a break. But you didn't. All the way home it continued to be the first song on the radio when I started the car or changed stations. I even looked around in your car to find some cd to play when we stopped for gas- nada.
Imagine then how it felt the next morning- Memorial Day- when I opened my local paper and found the picture of Kristen at your grave complete with the flag and soldiers in the background . How much that eased my heart that day!! You had some one there after all.
The next days mail brought a letter from Kristen. She mailed it on her way to Arlington. She had planned to send flowers. But before she hit purchase- she heard you say don't waste your money- come and visit me. Which is how she came to be there.
How amazing is that? We heard you, still not sure how clearly. The point is our hearts were eased again by God's grace in a very personal way.
Father's Day was a rough day for us, especially your dad. But he found treasure in that old sweat shirt. Thank you for telling God just how to ease his grieving heart - did you hear the smile in his voice as he said, " I found my father's day present " ? It was the perfect gift!!
As I was making AJ's christening gown I thought I will never make one of these for your child as I came to the end of the seam. The tears sprang up and I noticed something red around the needle. It was like red lint. Couldn't have that showing up on the white gown. Took apart the whole assembly including the bobbin area just to be sure that is couldn't be sewn into the white gown. All the while trying to figure out where it had come from. Start sewing again- as I came to the end of the seam more red. Then the thought came to me- red was your favorite color. You must have been around- or so I figured. That was latter confirmed by Noella- who told me that Uncle Dennis was here. I asked her where you were. She brought me into the dining room and pointed to the corner behind where I was sewing. Again the balm to ease my heart was applied by God using Noella this time.
I think of the time you let go at the height of the arc of the swing and laughed all the way to the ground. And the time you couldn't get enough of the water slide at River Country. Both times you conquered your fear and your spirit bounded around. You were giddy with delight and I was happy for you.
If I spend too much more time here I will waste away the day. And while I wish I could waste away the day with you once more, I know that must wait. I wished I had hugged you harder and longer that last time. I wanted to but couldn't figure out how to without conveying the fear I had of it being the last time while praying that it wasn't.
You are my beloved son in this world and the next. Pray for us as we pray for you. Watch over us and those who miss you until we meet again. I am sure that God answered your final request and did not forsake you but holds you in the palm of His Hand. Take care,
love,
always
Mom

Sgt. Flanagan

Although I did not know you I had the honor of serving in the Navy with your sister Jennifer. She shared with us what a great person you were. Thank you for serving our country and flag of freedom. Every time I hear the sounding of colors in the morning and evening you are remembered and never forgotten.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Flanagan!

Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the FLANAGAN family.Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[ES] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommissed that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel is FOREVER clutched in the tallons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation..THANK..YOU...HO..YAAH.......B.V.C.

With deep respect for one who gave his all for our great country.

I miss Dennis and think of him everyday. I had the honor to have served with him. He was a fine soldier and a great man, a hero and I miss him.
SFC "Pete" Chambers
former PSG 3rd PLT C CO 1-327th IN

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)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Flanagan and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

i'm a soldier that served with him.

In Remembrance of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan, on the first anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks, for this Brave Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

Rest In Peace Dennis, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God be with the Flanagan family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

To Dennis's family and friends, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. I hope you're able to find comfort in each other, and remembering Dennis' laugh and smile. I know these must still be difficult days--my brother Mike was killed in Iraq on Dec. 20, 2005. If you are ever looking for a sympathic ear, I would welcome the chance to connect with you.

In peace, Kelly Cleary

bro,
gosh i miss you more than anyone could ever know. I think about you so much and i just cant grip the fact that you've gone away from me! You were my best friend, my only friend at times. I'm so sorry that i let this happen to you, I wished so much for you. I wanted to see your babies, meet and befriend your wife, and grow old with my brother. Im so sorry i couldnt protect you, please watch over noella and rodney! And let me know youre not really gone if you can, cause i cant think of you like that. I cant wait to see your face again, you are such a beautiful soul and Im so proud to call you brother and friend. Dont leave me bro!! I love you!!
chief

Dennis was one of a kind. I was honored to have served with him in C co. 1/327. We definately had some laughs. Take it easy Brother. My heart and prayers are with you. Until we meet again...

Although I did not know Dennis, his father and I are cousins and have not seen each other in years. My family and I were greatly saddend when we learnd of this tragidy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Flanagan family.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE 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. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.



MARINE MOM

The other day while cleaning the play room I came across those "little green army men" and stopped, smiled and remebered you. You'll always be the little boy forever setting up his "little green army men" in historic battles on the bedroom floor every time I babysat. You are loved to this day. Your cousin, LJ

Flanagan was like a brother to me, I will never forget the memories, good and bad. He will always be missed by me and his brothers. Dennis I hope to see you again one day. I WILL wright back later. Everyone out there please take care and watch your back.

To all that may read this:



Dennis was my brother, I won't say hero because he hated the way that it seemed to only be used when a soldier dies. He like myself believe that anyone that signs up for the military is a hero. Dennis was a great brother who always was willing to help friends and family. He always could bring a smile to someone's face even if they were upset. He is a great man that is looking out for all of his family and friends. I am not sure whether he knew how many people that he touched, but I know my family knows now. Between teachers, friends, and others that he met in his travels he touched them all in his own special way.



-Jennifer



Dennis:



I miss you so much, I wish that I could have done something to protect you. There is so much that I wish you could have experienced. You always thought that you would die young, and of course you were right again. I just wanted you to know that I loved you and miss you.



-Peck

i was honored to have served with Dennis for five years in Cco 1/327 we went to Jordan and Iraq together and had many good laughs in the field my prayers are with you buddy and you will be remembered and missed. WITH A HEAVY HEART YOUR FRIEND Thomas R Marrs 2/11 Armored Cavalry Regiment

While I was at Arlington National Cemetery visiting several fallen heroes I stopped by and prayed for Dennis, your family, and friends. Dennis you are a hero and you will never be forgotten.

My heart to heart hugs to each of you.

Tom

Dennis was not only my cousin but he was also my hero.. he was like an older brother to me.We talked alot over the internet during his first deployment and every now and then during his second deployment. He was a total goof ball and LOVED to pick on me! Its so hard to believe that he is really gone. He was a great poet and an even better cousin! I miss you cuz! You will always me MY hero!

SGT Dennis Flanagan was one of the finest Soldiers I have had the pleasure to serve with. He was dedicated, intelligent, and extremely hard working. He was a great Soldier, and a tremendous friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

I met Dennis online the first time he was in Iraq. We shared alot of common interests. History, poetry, politics(well..we liked to argue about it anyways), and our irish backrounds. I got to meet him last summer when he came up to Wisconsin. I was planning on moving down to Fort Campbell in the fall and looked foward to seeing him. He was truly a talented man and I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to be friends with him. My prayers go out to the family. He spoke of you fondly and frequently.

My sincere sympathies to the family of Sgt.Flanagan. The article appeared in the Providence Journal today. I was deeply saddened to learn that we had lost another Rhode Islander. I also lost my son, Lt. Matt Coutu on June 27, 2005. My prayers are with you all. God bless our fallen sons.

Sincerely,

We care and shar in your sorrow.

I knew Dennis from basic training. We were in the same platoon, slept a few bunks down from each other and he even stayed with me and my wife for a while after we got to Fort Campbell, KY. He was a good kid then and only wanted to serve his country. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye but life takes us different ways. Bye Flanagan.

I am very proud to have known and served with such a person, a soldier as unique as Dennis. He is one of a kind. Ill keep you in my prayers and never forget you buddy.

Dennis,

There was so much you offered the world. You gave and gave. You have a heart of gold. You never stopped watching out for us, have you? You are my best friend, and you are my hero. God Bless you and keep you. You did what you loved. You were not afraid. You chose the less travelled path, and that has made all the difference.

Thank you for your service and guidance in life.

Kristin

I was honored to ride with the Patriot Guard as part of Sgt. Flanagan's escort this morning. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.



DC Moss, Major, USAF, BSC (Retired)

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

Sleep well my Brother, your service is written on the tablets of Love and memory.

I met Dennis this past August, when he came to Spring with my best friends husband Damien. He was so funny, he was cracking jokes with us from the time he was introduced to us. He was a really nice guy and I thank him for fighting for our country. My prayer are with him!

My heartfelt sympathy to the Flanagan family in the loss of Dennis. I did not know Dennis, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. 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. Dennis that was a beautiful poem you wrote and Heather thank you for sharing that.

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~

To the family of Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan:

We do not know each other, will probably never meet. We will, however forever be united in our grief and sorrow at the loss of our Hero sons. I know first hand there are no words right now to bring you the comfort and peace you need. We are not supposed to outlive our children. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and allow you to get to a place where the memories once again bring a smile rather than the tears that flow so freely now. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you as I try and move forward myself. God bless this courageous young man.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq)

(Millersville, PA)

[email protected]

Dennis wrote this when he was in highschool:



Soldiers Prayer To His Son

Fate has caught me on this day,

Death now comes to take me away;

Before I give the lord my soul to take,

one last prayer to my son I make.

Listen my son I speak the truth,

Squander not your time nor youth;

For never you'll know when your day is here

so cherish all which you hold dear.

Love your family and your friends,

For they'll stick with you til the end;

Let burn that celestial fire inside,

or to yourself you will have lied.

And now my son I pray to thee,

Never, ever forget me;

That I died a soldiers death,

To keep you free with my last breath.

Now to my son the truth is told,

Always remain strong and bold;

Always keep yourself in good standing,

For to you everything I'm now handing.

The tourch I now give to thee,

Hold it high for liberty,

Let the flame burn, forever unbroken;

So you'll never forget the words I've spoken.

Dennis was a great friend of mine. One of my best. He wrote me some poems that I have there is one I want to post I will post it in the next entry. But to the Flanagan family, he was a great guy. I will never forget him. I'm proud of him and he made the ultimate sacrafice and for that I am thankful. I love you Dennis. Always.

YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE SIR YOU ARE A HERO.

to the family of dennis flanagan i offer my deepest sympathy and condolences i am terribly sorry for your loss

dennis may u rest in peace soldier

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005