Joseph B. Spence, 24

Before I knew Lance Corporal Joseph Spence, I didn't understand the weight and meaning to those words often eulogizing the fallen. 'America's finest!' surely is a fitting way to begin describing the young man who cared so deeply about his friends, his family, his country, his fellow marines, and his beautiful wife and daughter. Each relationship was rooted in a higher love that is familiar to us who follow the way the truth and the life.

Joe was only a little older than most of the marines around him but they respected his wisdom in combat. He was the first to volunteer so often that his sergeant had to ask him to let the other men have a chance. I don't think it was an issue of seeking glory on the battlefield as much as it was a level of courage and valor unknown by those of us who never served as point man in a war or led the rescue of a downed marine while under fire from desperate terrorists.

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Hello to the Joseph Spence family, I am from Aptos. I just thought that it might bring you a little smile to know that my family and I were out having breakfast one morning and we FINALLY decided to get a dog! Something our 7 year old son, Sean, had wanted for a very long time. We were sitting there eating and Dad was looking at the newspaper.We were talking about what we would name a puppy and the article about Joseph was on the front page. I said let's name him Spence! Everyone agreed without hesitation that we liked giving our new family member this honorable name. We were touched by your story and I am proud to tell people that our (now almost 5 yr old) Golden Retriever has the name of one of America's finest, Joseph Spence! We call him Spencer or Spence. I never thought I would get an opportunity to tell you that, so this is a happy moment for me. Spence is a loyal and loving dog, sweet as anything! and so beautiful! but most of all he is a proud dog!Thank you for your sacrifice and my your family be blessed . Love goes on and on in ways we don't always expect, sometimes in small ways like this!

Memorial Day 2011, I am honored to have read of such a fine person, such a true American, such an outstanding Spence, and such a brave United States Marine. You have marched into Heaven and are guarding the streets, as you smiles down with blessings on your family. Joseph Spence, I salute you. A man who honored his father by following his steps, A man who answered the call in the hour of our national need. A man who walked through the valley of the shadow of death and gave his life so his daughter could live her life free. Thank You Joseph Spence for your service and your sacrifice.