Young Territorial Marines honor fallen members on five-year anniversary

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Territorial Young Marines hosted a memorial walk Wednesday to honor 13 fallen service members killed in Afghanistan five years ago.

The event started with reading each of the names that lost their lives and a prayer before the walk.

During the event, the Young Marines and locals walked 1.3 miles next to the Marine Corps Station as they remembered these service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Organizer Chas Johnson says this tragedy hit close to home.

"My daughter was actually there that day she was supposed to be at that gate, but was diverted elsewhere, and that was a very hard day watching the news, not knowing if she was okay waiting for a phone call. But by the grace of God, she survived and that's why this is so very important to me," Johnson said.

The youth were led by 15-year-old Antonio Ornelas throughout the walk. He says this is a great opportunity to be a better leader.

"This helps me become a better leader in life, school, outside of school, future jobs. It can already prepare me, and it helps me be not only mature, but know how to lead people and organized," Ornelas said.

They hope to do the walk every year going forward.