Sgt. Zachary J. Walters
Fallen Marine's Funeral Service
June 18, 2010 (Dallas, TX) -- On a partly cloudy day with temperatures reaching
into the upper 90's Sgt. Zachary J. Walters family and close friends attended
his inurnment ceremonies at DFW National Cemetery.
The procession was led by the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders and escorted by
the Dallas Police Department from the funeral home to the cemetery.
Once the procession arrived at the cemetery the ring of the Texas Liberty Bell
could be heard throughout the 638 acres and beyond. An honor guard from the 1st
Marines, 14th Regiment conducted the full military honors ceremony, which
included a 3-volley salute, playing of Taps and folding the American flag and
presentation to his parents.
Afterward family members made their way over to the Texas Liberty Bell to ring
it in memory of Zachary.
"He told me the reason he stayed in," his mother said. "He said, 'I prepared
these guys; I want to be with these guys.'"
He went as their advance man and was killed by a roadside bomb. Friday morning,
his family tried to comfort his fiancée, Victoria Falcon, with photos from
happier times. Only family and faith have kept the pain from being overwhelming.
"I wanted to be a part of his life," his grandmother said. "He is my only
grandchild and I wanted him to know that we loved him so much."
"I've never been prouder in my life," she said. "My precious boy made the
ultimate sacrifice. He would not have had it any other way."
Information and Video by Jerry Castillo / USFallen.org
Sgt. Zachary J. Walters
