Camp Pendleton's Fifth Marines gathered Wednesday to honor the 100 marines, sailors and soldiers lost in Iraq over the last year. The Regimental Combat Team Five returned just two weeks ago from Eastern Anbar Province. KPBS Radio's Andrea Hsu has more.
Thirteen sets of boots, helmets, and rifles were set up outside the unit's barracks, representing the battalions that lost troops over the year-long deployment. The unit's commander Colonel Larry Nicholson told those gathered that he feels each loss deeply.
Nicholson: There are no mere words - can console. I would offer only that your marine was doing what he was good and effective at doing.
As the names of the fallen were read aloud, fellow marines hung dog tags from the rifles set up in their honor. Colonel Nicholson told families and fellow servicemen Iraq is a safer place as a result of their work. And that they did not die in vain.
For KPBS, I'm Andrea Hsu.
