Memorial contributions can be made to the U.S. Adopt a Soldier program, (www.adoptaussoldier.org)
7440 S. Blackhawk St., Suite 15-106,
Englewood, Co., 80112.
Many Spotswood Residents have asked about contributing towards the memory of Michael Gonzalez.
The family has setup a scholarship fund in Michael's Memory.
Please send your contribution to:
Spc Michael L. Gonzalez, Scholarship Fund
Commerce Bank
3024 Route 516
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
National Night Out 2009 will be dedicated to Michael.
U.S. Army Spec. Michael L. Gonzalez
Killed In Action
August 28, 2008
Memorials in Spc. Michael L Gonzalez honor:
November 9th:
77th Military Infantry Division held a Wreath-Laying ceremony.
They planted a tree in Michael's honor in Fort Totten, NY
and honoring all of the soldiers who have passed since 9/11/01.
Michael's Mother Mrs. Ida Gonzalez at Wreath Laying Ceremony:
"Good evening and thank you all for coming to honor Michael's memory, and all the Veterans. How appropriate I lay the Iraq Wreath of Peace. This is what all of our soldiers fought for many years and are still fighting for my heros protecting our country so valiantly.
Our family misses Michael dearly, he is our hero and we will never forget him or the way that he touched other peoples lives, which is evidenced by the fact that all of you have gathered here today to honor him and all the veterans.
Michael’s saying was "All Gave Some, Some Gave All". Michael gave it all and so have we his family, the ultimate sacrifice the loss of a child and a brother. The pain that no parent and sibiling should have to go through; but that was Michael's choice to protect our country not our family. I reminded him when he joined that he would be going to war, but he did not care. This was his choice just like all the others that signed up for the military their choice they knew when they signed up that they would go to war to protect our freedoms here in the United States of America. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom to be different without hurting others.
My family and I believe Michael was in Iraq for peace and for freedom. But as we all know neither peace nor freedom is free...it comes with a cost. But Michael wasn't in Iraq to fight, he was their to share himself, his knowledge, his kindness, his heart with others. He was there to help the children of Iraq and often talked about giving them candy and playing soccer; a simple gesture, but one that brought smiles to their faces at a time when smiles don't come easily. He would arm wrestle with the Iraqi police and they laughed because they could never win, not with all the dedication he had to the gym. He brought moments of hope to a people who know too much about despair.
We have received many wonderful letters from the soldiers in Michael’s unit. All of them talk about how funny Gonzo was - Gonzo is what they called him. They write about how he kept their spirits up and how much they miss him too.
We pray every day for our soldiers and we ask you to do the same, please pray for and support our soldiers. Its the power of prayer that will keep our soldiers safe and only that. I personally have seen many miracles from the power of prayer. I will dance with Michael one day when I go home, because that is God's promise to me eternal life.
Once again, thank you all for coming today."
Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God. Matthew 5:9