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thedrifter
05-05-07, 08:05 AM
Four Midstate Marines Honored At Public Memorial

May 4, 2007 11:59 PM

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Marines honored four Tennessee men who died in Iraq.

The memorial took place Friday night at Nashville State Technical Community College, which is beside the Marine headquarters also on White Bridge Road in West Nashville.

The fallen Marines were members of Nashville-based India Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, which returned home Saturday night after a seven-month tour of duty.

Sixty-eight Marines returned to a big homecoming celebration, which included a 50-man motorcycle escort.

Sgt. Bob Schultz said while it was good to be home, his company will never forget the men who died.

Schultz said no one will forget Staff Sgt. Marc Golczynski; Lance Cpl. Tyler Overstreet; Lance Cpl. Richard Buerstetta; and Lance Cpl. William Spencer.

"We're going to get together and we're going to honor their memory," he said. "And although they're fallen brothers and comrades in arms, they are and always will be an India Company Marine."

At the ceremony, people faced a stage containing a memorial for each man- a helmet, gun and boots.

Golczynski of Lewisburg was shot and killed while he was on patrol in Fallujah.

Buerstetta of Franklin was killed when a bomb went off near an armored truck. Overstreet of Gallatin died in the same explosion.

"His legacy will live on in those he touched," said Taylor Gregory.

Spencer of Paris, Tenn., died during fighting in Al Anbar province.

"One of the reasons that we had this memorial today was to allow these marines to grieve," said Sean Roche.

The family of each fallen reservist received a large sketch to remember their fallen hero.

There was a final roll call at the ceremony and then a final goodbye from each Marine present.

During the ceremony a Marine places their fallen comrade's dog tags on the memorial to symbolize that they died for their country.

In the last two days, five American soldiers have died in Iraq --- three by bombs. Almost 3,400 American service men and women have lost their lives fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ellie