FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- It is a day of remembrance at Fort Lewis as the post honors nine Stryker soldiers. Not since the war in Iraq began have this many soldiers been honored together in one memorial ceremony at Fort Lewis.

A final farewell at the Soldier's Field House for Sgt. Chadrick Domino, Cpl. Romel Catalan, Sgt. Andrews Higgins, Pvt. Scott Miller and Staff Sgt. Brian Long.

Four of the Stryker soldiers died together: Staff Sgt. Greg Gagarin, Sgt. James Akin, Cpl. Robert Surber and Cpl. Tyler Kritz.

Patrick DeBarge served with them and came back from civilian life to pay final respects to all of the fallen Stryker soldiers.

"A lot of sorrow," says DeBarge, "It's good to have all of my battle buddies here. My heart goes out to the families."

Several of the soldiers' families were here. Staff Sgt. Long leaves behind a wife and three children. Staff Sgt. Gagarin leaves behind a wife and two children. Sgts. Akin and Higgins both leave behind wives. All leave behind families who love them.

"We will never forget these soldiers," says Maj. Hank Barnes. "They paid the ultimate sacrifice. You will be with us forever. Let your memories live on through those you have affected. We miss you, we love you, God bless you."

"We recognize and remember each individually, for that is how they joined our ranks," says Maj. Kyle Marsh. "Each made the personal, unselfish decision to become a soldier."

The new post commander is holding off on allowing just one memorial each month. He's letting the individual units group them if they want.

When DeBarge is asked, "do you think it's okay to have at least each unit honor its own soldiers?" He answers, "I think so. I think they should be remembered all together as a whole. Because that's what the Army is about, it's about a team."