APOPKA, Fla. \u2013 Family, friends and fellow soldiers gathered Saturday in Apopka to celebrate the life of Army Specialist Mariyah Collington, a 19-year-old soldier who died while serving in Morocco.<\/p>\n
The memorial service brought together loved ones, military members and community leaders to remember Collington\u2019s life, service and impact on those around her.<\/p>\n
Friends described Collington as someone whose energy filled every room.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe girl who danced like no one was watching,\u201d one friend said during the service. \u201cThe girl whose energy was impossible to ignore and made every moment better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on Collington\u2019s character, both as a soldier and as a young woman dedicated to serving others.<\/p>\n
Many speakers told mourners that Collington\u2019s life should serve as an example to others.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we reflect on her life, we may find comfort in our shared memories and strengths and the example she left behind,\u201d a speaker of the service said. \u201cSpecialist Mariyah Collington exemplified what it means to be a strong, respectable soldier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those who served alongside Collington also spoke about the loss felt throughout their unit.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a heavy heart and saddens me that I will not get to see the career that I had in front of her,\u201d a soldier in her platoon said.<\/p>\n
Military honors, including a gun salute, marked the end of the service as family members prepared for a final farewell.<\/p>\n
One soldier described Collington as \u201ca remarkable soldier, a cherished friend and beloved daughter\u201d and \u201ca very valuable member\u201d of the battalion family.<\/p>\n
Collington died while serving in Morocco. She was 19 years old.<\/p>\n
Her burial is scheduled for Monday, June 15, at 11:30 a.m., where family and friends will gather once again to honor her life and legacy.<\/p>\n
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