In December of last year, the United States lost 16 of our bravest heroes to the war on terror. Men who volunteered to serve and, in these cases, make the ultimate sacrifice for our great country. You might not recognize the faces or even the names. You may not know their life stories, their likes, or even their dislikes. What you can be sure of is they were brothers, fathers, friends, and uncles of our fellow citizens. And more importantly, they were brave and strong in their desire to serve their country ... our country!

Pfc. Christopher W. Lotter, 20, Chester Heights, PA

Pfc. Benjamin B. Tollefson, 22, Concord, CA

Spc. Tony J. Gonzales, 20, Newman, CA

Maj. John P. Pryor, 42, Moorestown, NJ

Master-at-Arms Seaman Joshua Seitz, 19, Sinking Springs, PA

Staff Sgt. Christopher G. Smith, 28, Grand Rapids, MI

Spc. Stephen M. Okray, 21, St. Clair Shores, MI

Spc. Stephen G. Zapasnik, 19, Broken Arrow, OK

Cpl. Charles P. Gaffney Jr., 42, Phoenix, AZ

Lance Cpl. Thomas Reilly Jr., 19, London, KY

Staff Sgt. Jonathan W. Dean, 25, Henagar, AL

Pfc. Coleman W. Hinkefent, 19, Coweta, OK

Pvt. Colman J. Meadows III, 19, Senoia, GA

Sgt. John J. Savage, 26, Weatherford, TX

Staff Sgt. Solomon T. Sam, 26, Majuro, Marshall Islands

Capt. Robert J. Yllescas, 31, Lincoln, NE

You may never know much about these Heroes ... but ... I believe every single one of them would volunteer again even if they knew their ultimate fate. Why? Because inside the heart of each of these brave men is a patriot bent on defending the line of freedom to prevent anyone from harming a single one of us.

They are Heroes! They deserve to be remembered! They deserve to be honored!

Thank you for your sacrifice! God bless America!