KHOU-11 reports on a new memorial to honor Texans killed in the Iraq war:
A local monument located in the 6100 block of Fairmont Parkway now displays the names of servicemen and women from Texas who have died in the Iraq war.
In the skies of Pasadena, patriotism is personal.
The men and women who served and died in the war in Iraq are memorialized, alphabetized by first names.
Images of the battles and the fighting are deeply painful for Zaida Walters.
“I just cannot believe he’s not here anymore,” she said.
Her son Leroy Sandoval became a casualty in March of 2004. The memorial wall is dedicated to him.
“Leroy didn’t die in vain. All these guys and ladies, they didn’t die in vain,” Walters said.
The names of 171 Texas soldiers who were killed in the war in Iraq are inscribed on the memorial wall.
There are no names listed on one side of the wall. Though the reality is, it’s not a matter of if, but when.
“Somebody’s brother, somebody’s uncle, somebody’s friend,” Edward Amido said.
Edward Amido is a youth pastor for Fairmont Christian Church where the wall was erected.
Marine Corp Private First Class Sandoval was a member of the church. The church and sponsors wanted to give back.
Readers of the old Chronically Biased blog will recall the name Leroy Sandoval, Jr. A dedication service for the memorial is scheduled for August 13.
