MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- More than two weeks ago, many celebrated as a detachment of Marines from Miramar Flight Division - Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's only flying squadron not belonging to a Marine aircraft wing - returned from a deployment in support of the Global War on Terror. However, Oct. 24 saw those festive smiles and welcome-home hugs replaced by somber tears and reminiscing gazes for members of Miramar's UC-35 community.

More than a year after four Marines died in a UC-35 accident on East Miramar, a plaque was unveiled at the air station's Visiting Aircraft Line passenger terminal and dedicated to Lt. Cols. Peter T. Nicholson and Robert M. Zeisler, Gunnery Sgt. Francisco Cortez and Cpl. Jeremy M. Lindroth.

Master Sgt. Ann Brown was the VAL transient chief when the accident happened March 10, 2004.  She had been waiting for more than a year to present to the families of the fallen the plaque that will hang in the passenger terminal for all to see - a plaque that commemorates their loved ones.

"The entire VAL decided we should do this," said Brown, a 56-year-old Placentia, Calif., native. "Two of the Marines who died in the accident worked on the VAL and Lt. Col. Nicholson was our officer-in-charge.

"When we started this, I had it laid out on the floor of my office and every time we went over it, I cried," she continued.

There were more than 100 family members, Marines and civilian personnel present as Brig. Gen. Carl B. Jensen, commanding general, Marine Corps Air Bases Western Area, unveiled the plaque for the families.

"Nothing can mitigate the grief felt today," said Jensen. "They died doing what they loved. They died in service to their country and their Corps.

"This is a bitter-sweet moment as we reflect on their patriotism, and I am sure the families will draw strength from this," he continued. "They were our friends, our brothers and fellow Marines. It is with great pride we dedicate this plaque."

Brown was in shock when she first heard the news of the crash, but a year later she feels a sense of closure and relief.

"I am proud we finally accomplished what we set out to do," she said. "I am glad to see this plaque will have a prominent place in this building. It will be put in the lobby where all Marines coming and going will be able to see it."

Lieutenant Colonel Russell J. Pharris, the detachment commander for the UC-35 crew who arrived back at Miramar Oct. 4, was one of the Marines who delivered the news of Nicholson's death to his family.

"I was the (Casualty Assistance Calls Officer) for the Nicholson family," said the 43-year-old Hagerman, Idaho, native. "I treated them like I would have wanted my family to be treated. Today was all about honoring their memory."