BACKGROUND INFO:
In Memory Of: Army Spc. Diego Rincon
A solemn chorus of "America the Beautiful" sounded over the dozens and dozens of teary-eyed, grief-stricken people who gathered together Monday night, April 1, to remember a soldier, a friend, a brother and a son.
U.S. Army Pfc. Diego Rincon, 19, died last Saturday far away from his family and home in Conyers, Ga. He and three other soldiers belonging to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division fell victim to a suicide bomber in the south-central Iraqi city of Najaf.
Even as Diego's light goes out, loved ones lit a candle wick in his memory outside his Georgia home. Some placed candles on his yellow Ford Mustang, which was also adorned with flowers and handwritten messages.
They remembered him as a happy young man, with very close ties to his mother, father and siblings -- two brothers and a sister. The Rincons came to America almost 12 years ago, fleeing terrorism in Colombia.
Diego's father, Jorge, and one of his brothers joined the candlelight vigil. However, Diego's mother, still too saddened to leave the home, did not attend the outdoor memorial.
Jorge told 11Alive News he is leaning on God to get him through losing his second-borne child. He clutched Diego's dogtags, which he wore around his neck.
"Oh, God, it's very... it's very hard for me," Jorge Rincon said, fighting to speak the words in his native Spanish language.
Friends recalled Diego as a popular teenager who led an active life. He'd only recently completed basic training with the Army before being called to duty in war against Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
In his last letter home, Diego spoke frankly of his fear -- and his fate. Diego's brother read from the letter, which seemed to foretell more than anyone suspected.
"I believe God has a path for me...whether I make it or not. It's all part of the plan, it can't be changed, only completed. Mother will be the last word I'll say. Your face will be the last picture that goes through my eyes."
"I'm not trying to scare you, but it's reality. The time is here to see the plan laid out."
Jorge Rincon spoke of the guilt he feels for not being with his son, not being able to help out. He said his life is a nightmare from which only God can rescue him.
"He was the best thing that ever happened to us," he said.
"US Army Snipers- One shot, one kill"
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