Today a Florida highway was dedicated to a soldier who lost his life in Iraq. His family says that despite their loss, they still support their son's decision to serve his country.
Brandon Thorsen was killed in Iraq in September of 2007. Almost one year after his death, his family says that they're still adjusting to life without him. Donald Thorsen said he felt bittersweet watching the dedication of highway 19 to his son Brandon - killed in Iraq in September of 2007. He says that if he could do it all over again though, he'd still support Brandon's decision to enlist in the Army.
"There's a cause and effect for a lot of things in the world, and if it wasn't for our volunteers and people that did the ultimate sacrifice," said Thorsen, "I think America would be a different place."
A large crowd of Thorsen's family and friends attended the dedication ceremony. The Marine Color Guard held flags for the Pledge of Allegiance, and police officers also came to pay their respects.
This is the second memorial to Thorsen at Chiefland High School. A stone with his name carved in it was donated by Chapter 63 of the Disabled American Veterans, and sits in front of the school.