It was a somber morning; all of the US flags on the camp were flying at half staff in honor of our latest fallen warrior, SGT Raymundo Morales. SGT Morales died from his injuries when the HMMVW he was riding in rolled over near Methar Lam. Today we would honor Raymundo Morales who was posthumously promoted to the rank of SGT.
This was the 3rd memorial service I’ve attended since being in country. I had hoped not to see another one for the remaining year. Today instead of standing in formation, I was asked to take the photographs and an Army Specialist would use the video camera. The slide show posted today shows some of the pictures I took. The immediate family members can request through the Casualty Assistance Officer for a copy of all the images.
Although I did not know SGT Morales personally, I struggled with my emotions as I watched the emotions of others through the camera lens. A military memorial service is the most dignified and professional ceremony you will ever witness. 
Hearing ‘Amazing Grace’ being played on bagpipes is very moving. In front of me was a table covered with a white table cloth. On top of the cloth was a framed picture of SGT Morales and next to it was a traditional Army Stetson hat. A few paces from the table were a wood stand. 
It held a single M-4 rifle with an affixed bayonet turned upside supporting a helmet with Morales’ name embroidered on the headband and a set of identification tags hung on the pistol grip. One step below the rifle was a pair of combat shoes and the backdrop was numerous unit and coalition forces flags flying in the wind. Off to the side was the Honor Guard and behind them was a bugler.
Several people including his good friend the unit First Sergeant spoke about the life of SGT Morales and the family he leaves behind. A roll call was announced and SGT Morales’s name was called out 3 times, but no reply was heard. The Marine Honor Guard pointed their weapons at an angle toward the sky and fired off a 21 gun salute. The bugler played ‘Taps’ as everyone stood at attention and rendered a final salute. The official party paid their last respects and then unit and camp members approached the memorial to say a last goodbye.
Final salute to SGT Morales
SGT Morales, you were a brother in arms. I pray that God will comfort your family in this time of mourning.
Freedom is not free.
Below you will find a photo slide show from today’s memorial service with additional photos.
Link to SGT Morales’ obituary which allows you to send condolences to his family.
Filed under: Photo slide shows | Tagged: 148th Brigade Support Battalion, Afghanistan, Cedartown, Deployment, GA National Guard, HMMVW, memorial service, Methar Lam, photography, SGT Raymundo Morales, U.S. Army, war
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 07/27/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Rex, thank you for the pictures of Sgt. Morales memorial. We’ll be receiving him Wednesday and I’ll be celebrating his funeral on Thursday. The Patriot Guard Riders will be there for the entire process.
My brother is in Iraq now on his second deployment. The troops have our prayers everyday.
Fr. Paul Williams, Pastor, St. Joseph’s, Dalton, GA
I am Ray’s brother in law..
Thanks for the pics and he would be honored to know he went out as he lived, a hero
R.I.P. Ray you will be missed….
I am Ray’s Aunt and he will be missed by all of his family, especially his children. He blessed our family with love and laughter and will always be considered a hero in our eyes.
With great gratitude, pride and sorrow for our loss, I join you Sgt Temple in honoring Sgt Morales. Our Warrior rests.
gracias por el memorial a ray morales y tambien por las fotos. era mi sobrino politico, yo perdi un hermano en irak hace cinco años. que dios cuide y bendiga a todos los soldados.
Thank you for the photos of my husband’s memorial. Our children and I deeply appreciate them.
Kimberly
My sincerest condolences on your loss. I know he will be missed but he is at peace now and as so many have said already, He will always be a hero never forgotten. God bless and keep you all and give you peace.
I am the wife of the CAO for Ray and I am doing a photo album for the Morales family. Can you please email my husband at the above email of how we can get these pictures or any others you may have there asap so I can include them in Ray’s album. Thank you very much for the pictures and the tribute on this site.
this is ray aunt and i was wondering if you can email some of the pictures that you might have in his photo album that you was making of him thank you so much
SGT Morales was one of the best man I have ever met….. I will never forget his never ending smile. It has been an honor serving along side of him…. He will be seen by me as another angel watching over the rest of us and helping us stay safe.
I am Ray’s nephew. I just want to say that we will miss you, Uncle Ray.
I am Ray’s 12 year old cousin and I would like to say that I will miss him. It broke me apart when I saw his coffin and when he was being buried. I will miss you Ray now and forever. We love you.