Daniel Morris laid to rest

A community said good bye to the first soldier from Clinton killed in Iraq.

On Sunday, several businesses in Anderson county offered tributes to honor the fallen soldier.

Other mourners made a point of saluting the funeral procession by lining the street.

Even though Staff Sergeant Morris truly believed in what he was doing in the Middle East, his family says one day he had dreams of becoming a minister.

He was a faithful man, faithfully followed by many on Sunday.

Slowly, solemnly they came to Oak Ridge Memorial Park to honor a man made to be military.

Staff Sergeant Morris received a soldier's welcome, a soldier's goodbye.

It included a 21 gun salute, a bag piper playing Amazing Grace, and Taps.

"It's the least we can do for someone fighting for our country. He died for our country. It's the least we can do and the last we can do for him," says Delius Scarbrough, Retired Army Staff Sergeant.

Hundreds huddled around in complete silence.

Family, friends and strangers respected Morris together and reflected on his sacrifice.

"He gave his life so we can continue to live free. He took I feel my place. I wasn't there. He took my place and I wanted to honor him," says Valerie Widgren of Powell.

Peggy Laxton of Claxton says, "It does hit home when you know people or have prospects of people going into the military especially when you are at war because you know what the consequences could be."

Staff Sergeant Morris died after recently re-enlisting.

September marked his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Sunday left a lasting mark on those attended.

"It's the hardest thing I've ever done and I've been in it for 15 years. It's the hardest thing I've done anytime you pay tribute to a fallen soldier. You never want to do one of these. You don't want to loose a soldier," Norman Bergeron with A-Company 96ASB.

A son, a father, a hero laid to rest with full military honors.

A man remembered today, remembered always.

Scarbrough says, "I just want to let the family know we appreciate him. We appreciate his sacrifice. He won't be forgotten.

Along with the full military honors both of Morris' parents were presented with an American flag.

Morris leaves behind a loving family and a 10-year old daughter.

From WBIR

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