Ian W. Stewart, 21

Ian, I never knew you but prayed for your safety with your parents many times. None of us will ever know why our sons didn't come home safely but we know our sons are together with the Lord. I know you're with Chris and Nick. I see your beautiful smile and have spent many hours with your mom hearing of your life and sharing the love your family has for you. Memorial Day has a different meaning, one we never thought we'd be sharing. Just know that you are thought of and missed daily.

Jennifer - From Lancaster, Ca

I Will Soar Again

With my back turned, you betrayed me
on a quiet peaceful day.

Then suddenly, without warning,
your attack was upon me.

All the feathers that have fallen
can never be replaced.

But of the ones that still remain,
have strength to honor their space.

For now, I wait. I watch. I heal.
With pride you could not contain.

For the one thing that is certain,
with courage!.I WILL soar again!

So much time has pasted since Ian went to be with the Lord. I am sure most people who knew Ian hardly think of him at all any more. But not his parents or his family.

I was Ian's youth leader, and well Ian was one of those kids you loved even when he irritated you beyond belief. You see Ian had this smile that could calm any situation.

Some folks even thought Ian was just a "I dont give a rip" attitude teen. But he wasnt. Ian wanted to figure out who he was and where he belonged. He just didnt know how to express it. Like most any other teen. But Ian, he needed to belong to something bigger than himself. So he joined the Marines.

I remember when he came and told me and how the pride, (and fear) of the choice he made just beamed through his smile. We had a chance to talk just before he shipped out and his excitement and fear was all over the place. He told me he hoped this would make him a man.........WOW was I amazed at the MAN who stood before me.

To this MAN who died for people he didnt know when he arrived, but he grew to love and appreciate because of who he was and how he was raised in God's Love, and to his family I want to say, Ian did not die alone, he did not die in vane. Our Lord was with him always and God's Love shined through this young MAN.

Ian is a warrior, a soldier of God who delivered the message of Love, even in times of war.

Ian is loved and he is NOT FORGOTTEN.

God's peace and Love