Stephen L. Morris killed during combat operations

(12/26/06 - KTRK/LAKE JACKSON, TX - It was a heartbreaking holiday for a family in Lake Jackson after learning on Christmas Eve their son was killed in Iraq.

Over 500 flags, dozens of yellow ribbons and countless prayers are going up along Oyster Creek Drive.

"It's an awareness for them to even say a prayer. The more prayers the family gets, hopefully the stronger they will be," said Mary Moreno of Military Moms and Wives of Brazoria County.

Moreno organized this effort as a way to remember Marine Lance Corporal Stephen Morris, 21. He was killed Christmas Eve in Iraq by an improved explosive device which hit the vehicle he was driving.

"What can you say? This is their son. It's a hole in their heart, an emptiness that can never be filled," said Moreno.

Morris was deployed to Iraq four months ago. His father says in recent days he'd become more and more fearful for his safety. Morris recently had been assigned to drive a Humvee, which he thought made him a target. Lloyd Morris says he tried to calm those concerns with prayer.

Lloyd Morris is a retired prison chaplain. In his prayers, he's asked God how he could let his son be killed.

"And he hasn't answered me, and I don't think he's going to," said Morris.

Whether the answers come or not, the Morris family says Christmas will never be the same.

"It's gonna be on my mind every Christmas," said Morris.

The family says they will never look at this flag the same, either.

The marines have not yet told the family when Stephen Morris' body will be returned home.

From KTRK 13