LCpl. Nazario Serrano

School remembers Marine's passion, service at ceremony
RUSSELL RIAN Staff Writer  
Published: April 3, 2005

Against a solemn background of more than 2,000 students, educators and community members gathered last week to honor Lance Cpl. Nazario Serrano came the gurgling of the son he never had a chance to meet.

Six-month-old Landon Heath wasn't old enough to be aware of the tributes, proclamations and memorials offered in honor of his father, killed in January during a mortar attack while serving in Iraq. But the boy's grinning face and adventurous spirit reflect his father's personality, said the child's mother.

"He does remind me of him a lot," said Amanda Story.

Tributes to the 2003 Irving High graduate, killed Jan. 30 during a mortar attack in Iraq, recalled a jovial and adventurous man, reflected in his decision to volunteer for duty in Iraq. Cpl. Serrano died at 20, just two weeks before he was scheduled to return home to his newborn baby and marry his high school sweetheart.

But he only got the chance to see his newborn son through pictures e-mailed to him in Iraq.

Landon, decked out last week in camouflage pants and a white T-shirt, has attended his father's funeral and has already felt the ramifications of his father's loss, Ms. Story said.

"I recently got a job, and he's not taking it very well," she said.

Friends said that was among the greatest sorrows.

"He was such a great guy, I know he would have been a great father," said 16-year-old Shelby Carpenter, an Irving High sophomore and friend.

Brother Daniel Serrano said he is handling his brother's loss with memories such as fishing.

"I just try to think of the good moments," he said.

His other brother, Javier, recalled a picture of him at age 5 with a python around his neck and times he refused to get on his brother's motorcycle, which he loved to ride.

"My outlook and appreciation of life has changed. Nazario was always a symbol of courage in my mind," Javier wrote in a tribute. "These things were a part of Nazario and probably the reason he chose to involve himself with the war in Iraq without concern for his personal safety. Maybe it was the successful adventures with the snake and that motorcycle that allowed my brother to forget his mortality. ... No one ever expects to be the next casualty."

His mother, Maria, said she will remember his passion for the Marines.

"He loved being a Marine, and I think that is the most important thing," Maria Serrano said. "We're so proud."

For Irving students, it was the second time in less than a year they have gathered to reflect on former classmates. Spc. Josiah Vandertulip, a 2002 graduate, was honored in similar ceremonies last year.

U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who was also on hand in November for Spc. Vandertulip, lauded the sacrifices.

"Today, the chills once again run down our arms and legs and down our back and once again we weep for another fallen soldier," he said. "We recognize today the events of the world can strike close to home. It should also remind each and every one of us how important this campus is in the life of this nation and in the life of the world."

E-mail rian@dallasnews.com