This is part 1 of a 2 part report.

Sergio Gudino, Local Soldier Killed in Iraq, Remembered (Part 1/2)

Report and photos by Don Hodges

January 7, 2006

Glendale, CA - Hundreds of people attended the service for U.S. Army Specialist Sergio Gudino, 22, of Pomona. Gudino was killed on December 25, 2005 in an IED attack in Baghdad, Iraq.

The first picture shows the Moon above the steeple of the Church of the Recessional at Forest Lawn, Glendale.

An Honor Guard carries the casket of Sergio Gudino down a lane of saluting war veterans.

War veterans salute as the casket of Sergio Gudino is carried past them.

An Honor Guard loads the casket of Sergio Gudino into a Hearse.

An Honor Guard prepares to receive the casket of Sergio Gudino while war veterans stand at attention.

An Honor Guard unloads the casket of Sergio Gudino and begins to carry it to its final resting place.

An Honor Guard places the casket of Sergio Gudino while others stand at attention and salute.

An Honor Guard stands at attention after placing the casket of Sergio Gudino.

An Honor Guard stands at attention immediately preceding a 21-gun salute for fallen soldier Sergio Gudino.

An Honor Guard folds the flag which had draped the casket of Sergio Gudino, while family and friends look on.

The flag from the casket of Sergio Gudino is presented to the officer while friends and family look on.

An officer presents the flag from the casket of Sergio Gudino to his widow while friends and family look on.

An officer salutes Sergio Gudino's widow, while she clutches the flag from her husband's casket.

An officer presents a folded United States flag to the mother of Sergio Gudino, while friends and family look on.

An officer presents Sergio Gudino's Bronze Star to his widow.

An officer departs from the family of Sergio Gudino.

The casket of Sergio Gudino is lowered into the ground. (1)

The casket of Sergio Gudino is lowered into the ground. (2)

The casket of Sergio Gudino is lowered into the ground. (3)

Friends and family of Sergio Gudino watch as his casket is lowered.

Link to Part 2:

http://la.indymedia.org/news/2006/01/143714.php

From one patriot to another. RIP soldier. Sergio is now in a much better existence of peace and love. May his death nor the death of any fallen veteran be forgotten. I salute you.

Thank you to the Gudino Family for giving us the ultimate sacrifice, Sergio's Life. Sergio is now and forever will be a hero. May God be with you and comfort you, as only He can. Remember your Soldier will always be watching over you. He will NEVER be forgotten. Cyrus your daddy is a brave hero, an angel protecting you now and forever. My heart goes out to you Mrs Candy Gudino. You will be in my thoughts and prayers daily. God bless you.