Memorial Day Soldiers | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Fresno, CA Major Paul Romagnoli said, "We have a great country a great community and Fresno is a great city. We enjoy all of our freedoms because of all of the sacrifices those before us have given. "

These soldiers are with the U.S. Army's 3rd infantry brigade combat team, 25th infantry based in Hawaii. Captain John Liang has served 3 tours in Iraq and says things are changing for the better.

"Iraqis have grown professionally and in operations. In my stand point they are going to do well when we leave."

This is Major Jeff Burnett's first deployment. He is a third generation soldier, with his grandfather serving in World War II and his father serving in the Vietnam War.

"My father served two tours in Vietnam before I was even born."

Burnett has two brothers who also served in Iraq. His brother Stevyn Burnett recently says service in the military is a family tradition.

"It brings us closer. We have a better sense of each other. "

Jeff's father Michael Burnett says he is proud of his sons. Michael has close to two dozen medals for his service. "Once you've seen combat, once you've seen your friends die or come back disabled you have a deeper meaning of life."

While this Merced father is honoring his son's service on this Memorial Day, "I can't say enough about him," Jeff, the younger Burnett is a world away honoring his dad. "Thank you dad for all your love and sacrifice not only for me and my family, but for the rest of America as well."