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Memorial held for fallen Oak Creek marine
Private First Class Evan Bath, 19, passed away in July when a vehicle carrying him and others sank during a training exercise in Southern California.
OAK CREEK, Wis. - The funeral for Private First Class Evan Bath was held on Tuesday, Aug. 25 in Oak Creek.
19-year-old Pfc. Bath passed away on July 30 when an amphibious assault vehicle carrying 15 Marines and one Navy sailor sank off the coast of Southern California during a training exercise.
Some people are born with a warrior heart, called to serve -- no matter the sacrifice. An honor that Bath proudly carried out all of his 19 years.
"You will always be in my heart, so you will always be present. More than ever, today you are my hero," said Aleta Williamson-Bath, Evan's mother.
He joined the United States Marine Corps. on July 29, 2019 and earned the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal while serving.
"Evan was one of those people who raised his hand and signed a blank check to the government and all out citizens to protect our freedoms," said Curtiss Peck with the American Legion Riders.
Bath's loss has made for heavy hearts in his hometown and among the men and women who served before him.
Brothers in arms led the way, guiding Bath to his final resting place.
"Even though we didn't know Evan, but we know what Evan did and how he died," Randy Timms, with American Legion Riders, said. "It's honoring that legacy, if you will, that we need to respect."
It was one last salute to service for a young man taken too early, and a Marine who, in life and death, will be remembered for his warrior heart.
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Private First Class Evan Bath and eight others were killed in a training exercise off the coast of California. Over the next weeks, the Marine Corps will prepare PFC Bath and the others for their final journey home.
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An Oak Creek mother is remembering her only child, Private First Class Evan Bath, 19, missing and presumed dead after a training accident off the coast of California July 30.