MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- "I want to extend a special welcome to the families of our fallen Marines and Sailors," said Lt. Col. Michael R. Ramos, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. "I am humbled by your tremendous sacrifice and inspired by your strength, your courage, and your faith." These words opened the speech of the commanding officer of 1/3, at a welcome home and reunion ceremony put on May 12 at Dewey Square aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. Speakers of the ceremony included James R. Aiona, Jr., the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, Col. Jeffery Patterson, commanding officer of 3 rd Marine Regiment, and Ramos. "Today we welcome home our returning Marines and Sailors," said Ramos. "But we will also take a moment to remember those who gave their lives defending freedom-those 51 Sailors and Marines who are not in the formation today, but are here in spirit." All of the companies of 1/3, along with Charlie Battery, 1/12, marched out on the field that afternoon, standing during the ceremony, while at the close, Marines shot off howitzers to remember the fallen. Dog tags were also being made for the families of the fallen, names and information of the dead being placed on the tags. Across the way in the base theater, videos and pictures of the Marines in Iraq were playing for friends and family to view. As the names were being read at the ceremony, the dog tags of the fallen were being hung on a rifle, during the moment of remembrance. Marines hung their heads in prayer when Lt. Brian K. Shearer, chaplain, Third Marine Regiment, read the invocation and Lt. Kenneth R. Lee, chaplain, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, read the benediction at the closing of the ceremony. At the close of the ceremony, Marines, Sailors and families met and talked about the fallen, and spent time with each other under the shade of tents and trees, as each company had a tent with refreshments that circled the field. Families had the opportunity to meet with and talk to Marines and Sailors, who fought with their family member or friend, at one time. "A lot of people can identify with the concept of "Band of Brothers," but don't really get it," said Staff Sgt. William F. Hornsby, assistant operations chief, 1/3. "With this opportunity for the families and the Marines, it becomes more of a reality. When they feel and see it, it becomes real." The day also brought a sense of closure to the family members and Marines, said Hornsby. "For the families to be able to put faces with names, and to be able to hear what kind of man their son was out there. To meet who he was friends with in his last year, month and minute," said Hornsby. "It brings closure, but it only makes it more of a definite reality as well." The Marines will be given time off before returning to train for upcoming deployments in the future. "It was my distinct honor to have led these men in combat," said Ramos. "Their performance was nothing short of magnificent and is the stuff of Marine Corps legend."