On Memorial Day the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in

service of their country.

At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their

sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue

the fight for liberty and justice for all.

On this Memorial Day, let us never forget those men & women, who serve our

country so faithfully, all of those brave souls, who are fighting or have fought for our freedom, and those, who will never return to the open arms of their loved

ones.While there have been over 6000

American deaths in Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom, I

humbly & gratefully remember the brave men and families of the 173rd Airborne

Brigade, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment.

God bless you all, and we will never forget your sacrifice!

…Stacy Hilbrich

We cherish too, the Poppy redThat grows on fields where

valor led,It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

…Moina Michael, 1915

Spc. Blake Wade Hallof East Prairie, Missouri died on August 21,

2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Glen and Vickie Hall. He also left behind

a brother, Coy, and sister, Tara.

“Hall was a man who was defined by his morals and beliefs. His love for is family, his

country and his fellow soldiers is what defined him most of all to us.” …Company B’s Cpl.

Kyle Fredrixon

1st Lt. Joshua Hylandof Missoula, Montana died on August 21, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Marty & Lynda Hyland. He also left behind his

brother, Rick, wife, Lanie, and son, Dylan.

"1LT. Hyland is a hero to every one of us here. We miss him, and continue to live and fight as

he would want us to.” …SPC Steven

Haynes

Sgt. Michael Robert Lehmiller of Anderson, South Carolina died on August 21, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Robert Lehmiller & Gail Michaels. He also left

behind his brothers, William & Elliott.

“Lehmiller was the kind of guy who was happy to be a friend with anyone,” …

Company C’s Sgt. Timothy Smith

Pvt. Christopher Palmer of Sacramento, California died on August 21,

2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Clemmie & Annie Palmer. He also left behind

his brothers, Charles & Clem, and sister, Casandra.

“Brave, fierce, intense, a loyal friend and ruthless to the enemy, We have served with the best.” … Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Shuttlesworth

1st Lt. Derek Hinesof Newburyport, Massachusetts died on

September 1, 2005 near Baylough, Afghanistan. He is the son of Steve & Sue Hines. He also left

behind his brothers, Michael & Trevor, and sister, Ashley.

“Derek’s death has left a hole in our ranks and in our hearts.  He was a genuine friend to those lucky enough to know him.  He was a leader, able to touch people in a special kind of way…able to provide that sense of purpose and motivation so desperately needed on the field of Battle.” … CPT Mike Kloepper

PFC Timothy Vimotoof Ft. Campbell, Kentucky died on June 5, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the

son of CSM Isaia & Misimua Vimoto. He also left behind his brothers, Isaia, Jr. & Nephi, and

sisters, Sabrina & Ariel.

“No matter what Vimoto was doing, he had a smile on his face.”

…Sgt. Andy Short

PFC Juan Restrepoof Pembroke Pines, Florida died on July 22, 2007

in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son of Marcela Pardo. He also left behind his

brothers, Ivan & Pablo, and daughter, Adriana.

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Blaskowskiof Levering, Michigan died on September 23,

2007 in Asadabad, Afghanistan. He is the son of Terry & Cheryl Blaskowski. He also left behind

his wife, Daniela.

“Sergeant Ski was the epitome of a professional Soldier that will forever set the bar for Battle Company, Chosen Company and the whole Rock family.“ …1st Lt. Bradley Winn

Staff Sgt. Larry Rougleof West Jordan, Utah died on October 23, 2007

on the Sawtalo Sar Mountain, Afghanistan. He is the son of Ismael & Nancy. He also left behind his brothers, Michael & Trevor, and daughter,

Carmin.

"I will not shed any tears of sorrow. I'm proud to have known such a good man and a warrior to the bitter end.”

…Staff Sgt. Michael Gabel

SPC Hugo Mendozaof Glendale, Arizona died on October 25, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son

of Jesus & Sara Mendoza. He also left behind his brothers, Jesus, Jr. & Esteban.

“Valor is not a word you can just throw around. It’s encompassed in Spc. Mendoza.”

… 1st Lt. Bradley Winn

Sgt. Joshua Brennanof Ontario, Oregon died on October 25, 2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He is the son of Michael Brennan & Janice Gates. He also left behind his brothers, Robert, and sisters,Jessica,

Brooke, Courtney, Christina, & Brittany.

“Josh was a quiet professional. He truly, truly showed the younger soldiers what it meant to be a soldier, and what it meant to be a leader,”

…Staff Sgt. Benito Gallardo

“…The men who surround me are America's heroes. They are between the ages of 18 and 21. Most of them are just back from one year in Iraq and are making the ultimate sacrifice for another year. Day in and day out, they amaze me with their perseverance and determination…

These soldiers make every day I am out here worth the trip…”

…1st Lt. Derek Hines