Lance Corporal Derek Gardner

I will always remember this date. Know Derek is not forgotten. Hugs to the family for so many years without Derek.

I woke this morning to the strains of the Marine Corps Hymn running softly through my mind. May God continue to hold the hearts of your family and friends through this tenth anniversary year.

Ten years ago today. Such a long time to miss someone. Thinking of you and sending love.

Well I got here by mistake. Yet I just had to read on and see. I don't know you, yet I must say something for I too I have served and know. Maybe in a different country with a different uniform, and while I might have never seen war up close, I stood ready and have heard so much about men like you. I always wonder for how long would they remember if it was me? Would it make a difference? Everyday I live in freedum, it is because someone has paid the price for me to be free. I don't...

Every Labor Day and every September 6th we remember and honor you and your family once again in our hearts.

September 6, 2011
To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Derek L. Gardner:
Please accept my remembrance of Derek on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Seven years today for seven sets of family and friends, and only a few days from the tenth anniversary of 9/11; that day that changed all our lives forever. Ten years ago last week or so, I was at Camp Pendleton watching my young 2/1 Marine graduate from boot camp, with pride that he had made it through the tough thirteen weeks. Didn't have a thought of what was to come; that the six hundred new young Marines I watched on parade would be a number soon surpassed in military losses. Some of...