As the Iraq war claimed two more Colorado soldiers this week, families of the slain will gather tonight in Colorado Springs for a somber ceremony honoring the state's war heroes.

Spec. Alun R. Howells, 20, was killed Monday from direct enemy fire in Baghdad. Howells grew up in the small Western Slope town of Parlin near Gunnison.

Fort Carson Staff Sgt. Robert R. Pirelli, 29, of Franklin, Mass., died Wednesday of wounds from small-arms fire in Diyala Province.

The ceremony at 6 tonight at the Antlers Hilton marks the third "Remembering the Brave" gathering. This year's ceremony brings together the largest group ever of families of the fallen and active duty service members who fought with the slain troops.

During the ceremony, military leaders will formally present the medals that each Marine or soldier earned. Families will also be honored as "comrades-in-arms."