Photos

Lance Cpl. Christopher R. Leppert, a 21-year-old Marine from Marion, Ind., makes a silent good-bye to six fellow Marines and one sailor during a memorial service at Camp Al Asad, Iraq, April 18, 2006. Leppert was one of hundreds of U.S. Marines, sailors, soldiers and civilians who attended the service for the seven fallen U.S. servicemembers, who died April 2 when their seven-ton truck, part of a Marine combat logistics re-supply in Iraqâ??s Al Anbar Province, rolled over during a flash-flood. All seven fallen Marines and sailor were with the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 1st Marine Logistics Group. Following the service, some Marines, many in tears, approached the seven-rifle display to pay final respects and give final, silent â??good-byesâ?? to friends lost. Some took photographs from afar of the memorial display, while others touched the boots or gripped the dog tags â?? eyes closed and heads bowed â?? to offer silent prayers. A memorial service for an eighth Marine, who was with the Hawaii-based 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment and was killed in the same accident, was held at the Marinesâ?? base in Haditha last week. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin)::n::