Oneto-Sikorski -- Fourth Year Memorial

BAY ST. LOUIS -- While the end of October is party time for most Americans, unfortunately many people know the pain of tragedy that comes with traditional holidays.

While American military personnel usually have their own version of the celebrations, danger in Iraq and Afghanistan, like untimely violence and death at home, does not take off on holidays.

So was the case Oct. 31, 2005, when 1st Lt. Robert C. Oneto-Sikorski was killed in Iraq during a combat mission. He was leader of the Army's 155th Infantry Battalion.

He was a 33-year-old native of Bay St. Louis.

During May, Oneto-Sikorski was the first soldier added to a Veterans Memorial Garden built by students on school grounds at Bay High. His name is etched into a brick of the memorial that honors fallen military personnel.

The students held dedication ceremonies May 22, 2009.

ROTC Students Build Veterans Memorial Garden

BAY ST. LOUIS -- ROTC students at Bay High held dedication ceremonies May 22 for a Veterans Memorial Garden they built on the school grounds to honor fallen soldiers.

Lt. Robert C. Onteto-Sikorski is the first soldier's name added to the memorial, etched into a brick. He died Oct. 31, 2005, during a combat mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ontenus-Sekorski, 33, was a native of Bay St. Louis. The company officer was leader of the Army's 155^th Infantry Battalion.

Read and view more about the Veterans Memorial Garden at WLOX-TV 13.