My husband, for most of his life, had never felt like he owned anything or stood for anything, because he was so quiet and so shy. When he was in high school, he wasn't known for anything at all. But when he became a Marine, it was like he owned that.
    — Elizabeth Ceniceros, widow

    An only child, Ceniceros lost his father when he was in high school. For him, joining the Marine Corps was the beginning of a love affair with his second family.
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    Six memories of Manuel A. Ceniceros

    These men and women didn't die for granted. If you believe that they did then all men and women who have died in war for our country have died in vain, from the independence of England to present. There is a reason; the reason is freedom whether for us or another country or whether it will benefit our country in the long run. For freedom there is a price and their blood has paid the price. The United States has to be the police of the world and lead the way. If the United States ignores the crises’ of the world then all freedom would be at stake. I believe in their mission and I support the men and women of our military. I didn't know you Manuel, but rest in peace brother.

    — RL of Santa Ana
    November 22, 2008 at 6:22 p.m.

    Manny was an amazing Marine and for the month I spent with him on ASP watch it was the most memorable. Speaking of his wife and how much he loved and wanted to see her. Speaking with him about where he came from and how he had to become the man of the house. I am glad I had the chance to meet him and will forever remember my fellow Marine. Semper Fi brother, you may be gone but never forgotten!

    Sgt Brian Wolff

    — Wolff
    June 18, 2010 at 8:59 a.m.

    Had him for one of my classes. Very quiet guy. Kept to himself. Hearing about his death was surreal. Although I didn't know him very well he was always very polite and had a smile. May he rest in peace. We honor you today and always. God Bless.

    — oddie
    November 12, 2010 at 8:03 p.m.

    I went to boot camp with Manuel, I went to SOI with him, I was in the fleet with him..I went to Afganistan with him in 2001...He was a quit person, but his actions spoke loud and true, if someone ever needed anything he would be there.. each time I get deployed..I know brother your wings are with me...so you keep guarding heavens gates...my friend, you will always be missed....

    — SSG Faecke
    December 13, 2010 at 11:22 p.m.

    May I first start off by expressing my condolences to you and your family on Lance Corporal Manuel Ceniceros. I am deeply saddend by your loss. Even though I never met your loved one, I have a great admiration for what he was there to accomplish and for his great sacrifice. On behalf of Calvary Chapel Santa Fe Springs and myself we would like to extend a personal invite to our "Day to Honor"community festival where we come together as a community in the city of Santa Fe Springs and honor our Fallen Hero and their families. This community event would take place May 29th,2011. I will continue to ask the Lord to strengthen you and your family daily as you go through this difficult time.

    — sabrina
    March 25, 2011 at 4:37 p.m.

    Its going on 7 years that I lost my husband Manny i still have my bad days where "I wish you were here Manny...why did you leave me to do this alone" crosses my mind...but i know he didn't choose this...it was just part of the job of securing our freedom and as long as we don't forget them they didn't die in vain.Yes, he was quiet and kept to himself...but with me he was so loud fun and very loving...he made me make a few promises before he died and I have accomplished almost all of them expect one...finishing nursing school....Manny if you can hear me..I know its been so long and I took a break from school...but now I only have 5 more classes and I can apply to a nursing program...I hope you can see that even though its hard I still keep trying...I will Always love you and miss you...and to all the people that left such sweet messages..Thank you..it means so much when i Google his name and i see how although its been so many years...people haven't forgot about him and have kept us in their prayers.

    — Elizabeth Ceniceros
    April 18, 2011 at 9:58 a.m.

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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 700 California servicemembers and 474 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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