Mother of Fallen Soldier Remembers Independence Day Differently

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By James Steward

Story Created: Jul 4, 2011 at 10:50 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2011 at 10:50 PM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa - For Patty Sourivong, the Fourth of July is a time to remember her son, who was killed in Iraq in 2006.

Her son, Kampha, served in the Army for three years before his death.

Patty Sourivong says she spends her holiday at her son's gravesite laying down flowers.

She says she hopes other people keep in mind the true meaning of Independence Day.

"I think of independence and I think of our troops, where other people are just thinking of probably fireworks and concerts," Sourivong said.

"It's got a different meaning to me."

Patty says her family has also dedicated a room of their house to keep their son's memory alive.

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