Clark County residents are invited to attend a ceremony honoring a local man who died during his service in Afghanistan as a part of the “Never To Be Forgotten” series.
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One by one, the Marines approached the podium to speak about their brothers-in-arms killed in Sangin, Afghanistan. Each of the 25 men who died with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment during the tour that ended this month was honored Friday at Camp Pendleton by a Marine who knew him best.
A memorial for Camp Pendleton Marines on the front page of U-T San Diego April 30, 2011
(U-T)
Their voices quavered at times and their happiest memories were undercut by sadness, but the respect and affection they showed for the men who fought at their sides was unwavering.
Among the fallen was Lance Cpl. Joseph C. Lopez. He made everyone laugh with his modified moon walk and whistle; he considered his mom and dad to be the loves of his life; and he knew just what to say to reassure a fellow Marine who confessed before they left for Sangin: “Hey brother, I’m scared.”