Updated: 11/24/2008 12:53:43 AM
Tuesday marks two years since a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq and killed Staff Sergeant Daniel Morris of Clinton. Sunday his hometown unveiled a bronze bust that serves as a permanent reminder of his sacrifice.
The bust was donated by "Operation Never Forget," which was founded by families and friends of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bust will be placed on permanent display at the courthouse in Clinton. It was unveiled Sunday during an afternoon ceremony at the First Baptist Church.
Daniel's mother, Amy Morris, said he had served seven years in the Army and one tour in Iraq when he told family members he would not reenlist. Instead, he planned to attend Bible College in the state of Washington and become a minister.
A couple of weeks later, Amy said she received a call from Daniel to say he had a change of heart and reenlisted for four years with the U.S. Army.
Among the speakers at the event was First Sergeant Michael Davenport, one of Morris' fellow soldiers in the 1st Cavalry Division.
"I was in the vehicle directly behind Daniel when the I.E.D. exploded," said Davenport. "This kind of closes out one little piece for me to actually get to see the final bust [of Daniel] and talk to the family."
Amy Morris said the event's success made her feel more at ease with Daniel's death.
"I'd like to see the other fallen soldiers do the same thing in their communities because I think it really is an honor," said Amy Morris.
