CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Chaplain (Col.) Bert Kozen, brigade chaplain, from Williamsport Pa., presides over the Memorial Day services, May 25, at the Warrior Chapel for Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National D...

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Col. Marc Ferraro, brigade commander, from Cherry Hill, N.J., speaks during a Memorial Day service, May 25, at the Warrior Chapel for Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National Division-...

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Master Sgt. Jon McWilliams, chaplain assistant, from Lancaster Pa., plays Taps during the Memorial Day service, May 25, at the Warrior Chapel for Soldiers of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Multi-National...

BAGHDAD - Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, took time to honor their fallen at a Memorial Day service, May 25, on Camp Taji, Iraq.

"For us in Iraq, this day is all the more meaningful and significant," said Chaplain (Capt.) Schaun Myers, Reading Pa. "We have a much clearer view of what our fallen have faced, the courage displayed and the sacrifices made, to keep our children and our nation free."

During the event Col. Marc Ferraro, commander of the 56th Stryker Brigade, read a letter he received from a sergeant in the brigade whose soldiers were killed in action on a previous deployment.

The letter stated in part, "I only knew these men from my service with them but I loved them as much as I have loved anyone in my life."

Ferraro concluded much like the letter, by saying, "I ask all of you, as this sergeant did, to take the time today to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The 56th Stryker Brigade has suffered one combat loss during its current deployment when Staff Sgt. Mark Baum was killed north of Taji, Feb. 21, in a direct fire engagement with the enemy. Seven other members of the brigade have died in action since September 11, 2001.