Bodies of fallen service members return to the US

The bodies of 13 soldiers who were martyred in Thursday’s cowardly terrorist attack have returned home. A dignified transfer ceremony took place at the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

There will now be a knock on the door at the homes of the fallen soldiers, and their bodies inside coffins draped in the US flag will be received by their family members.

Their families will be in anguish, memories of their child who grew up so fast and ready to serve the country will probably recur for the rest of their lives.

Their significant others will also get flashbacks of the moments they left their homes for the final time. Feeling maybe they should have stopped them for a second longer to say a final goodbye and embrace their partners.

We cannot imagine what the families who have lost their members have felt and will continue to feel, we cannot share their pain but we admire them for being so strong, and we honor and thank their sons and daughters to have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and making it while saving and protecting other lives and our country.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California.

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri.

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California.

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana.

Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio.

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee.

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California.

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, Salt Lake City.

Your sacrifice won’t go in vain. You will always be remembered.

To the families that lost their sons and daughters. You have our deepest sympathy on your loss. Your (son) (daughter) made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of (his) (her) country. (He) (She) is our hero.