"We grieve the loss of six soldiers, six brothers in arms," Army Maj. Timothy Gauthier said as the memorial service began. "We will forever honor these men."

From the fierce warrior to the generous friend. From the one who loved music to the one who wanted to open his own business.

From the father to the son.

All six of them, soldiers.

Captain David Barbuto fought back tears as he spoke of his friend, Captain William Jacobsen.

"I will remember him as a great American," Capt. Barbuto said. "A hero that gave his life in defense of a nation that he dearly loved so that someday my children can live in a peaceful world."

The six Stryker Brigade soldiers were among 22 people killed when a suicide bomber walked into a mess tent in Mosul, Iraq on Dec. 21.

Fellow soldiers shed tears over their deaths but said each man was dedicated to a noble cause.

Captain Vincent Maycovich honored Sergeant Darren VanKomen.

"Wherever he served, he made a difference," said Capt. Maycovich. "Both as a soldier and as a man. He did not die in vain. His legacy will live on. We will never forget his sacrifice."

Fort Lewis has had to bury 37 soldiers since the war in Iraq began. Each time, the service is filled to capacity with tears, grief and thanks.

"We train together, we fight together," Lieutenant General James Dubik said after the service.

With tears he added, "Unfortunately we sometimes die together. But we also live together."

And that's when this community comes together, to find support to go on.

The Fort Lewis-based soldiers were:

-Staff Sgt. Julian S. Melo, 47, a supply specialist from Brooklyn, N.Y.;

-Capt. William W. Jacobsen Jr., 31, an infantry officer and company commander from Charlotte, N.C.

-Sgt. Darren D. VanKomen, 33, a supply specialist from Bluefield, W. Va., who spent his childhood in the Lewiston, Idaho, area.

-Staff Sgt. Robert S. Johnson, 23, a chemical operations specialist from Castro Valley, Calif.

-Spc. Jonathan Castro, 21, a combat engineer from Corona, Calif.

-Pfc. Lionel Ayro, 22, a combat engineer of Jeanerette, La.

The radical Ansar al-Sunnah Army has claimed responsibility.