1st CEB bid farewell to fallen comrades

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Michael Regner, former commanding general of 1st Marine Division, and his wife, Mary Regner, pay their respects to the four Marines of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion who lost their lives during the unit's deployment to Afghanistan. The Regners joined 1st CEB, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and family and friends of the fallen warriors at a memorial ceremony held at San Mateo, July 1. (United States Marines Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz)  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

07.01.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Marines and sailors of 1st Combat Engineers Battalion held a memorial ceremony at San Mateo, July 1, to pay tribute to the Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice during the unit’s recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Family and loved ones of the fallen Marines joined the unit to honor the lives of Lance Cpl. Arden Buenagua, Cpl. Eric Torbert, Cpl. Joseph Whitehead and Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers, who were killed during operations in Afghanistan from November 2010 to April 2011.

The families were joined by members of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, who served with 1st CEB during the deployment to Afghanistan. The service members of 3/5 stood solemnly beside their comrades in 1st CEB and joined them in bidding farewell to the fallen Marines.

The audience fell silent as memorials made of rifles, helmets, boots and identification tags were assembled. The simple tributes stood alongside large wreaths and photographs of the deceased to honor their lives, service, and sacrifice.

The ceremony continued with Bible readings from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 and Psalm 23.

Speakers paid tribute to the memory of each fallen Marine by sharing personal reflections on their lives. Several wounded warriors were amongst the speakers who shared memories of serving alongside their comrades in arms. Some memories were somber, while other speakers couldn’t help but smile while recalling the good times they had with their friends.

The attendees fell silent as a bagpiper, clad in traditional Scottish dress, played “Amazing Grace” before the final reflections and a recitation of the Marines Prayer.

Sgt. Maj. Simburger called roll to symbolize that though they are gone, the Marines will remain a part of the unit. A rifle detail then fired three volleys to honor the fallen with a 21-gun salute.

As the ceremony came to a close, Taps was played, and family and friends approached the memorials to say their final goodbyes.

“My life means something today because of these men,” said Lt. Loren Crone, the chaplain. “The way they lived and the way they died gives meaning to all of our lives.”

• Date Taken: 07.01.2011
• Date Posted: 07.07.2011 14:54
• Story ID: 73376
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US