Piestewa Honored at Daybreak Service Memorial Service Honored Piestewa

(CBS 5 NEWS) - Organizers and family members honored Lori Piestewa and her comrades still fighting overseas.

The Phoenix Oyate's singing filled the morning air at the base of Piestewa Peak as dozens gathered to pay tribute.

"It's honoring her and remembering her. We will never forget her, but honoring her, especially on a day like this, reminds us there's still troops over there need to be prayed for,” says former POW and friend Jessica Lynch. Lynch flew in from Pittsburgh to attend the service along with other members of the 507th Maintenance Company.

Piestewa was killed and Lynch injured after their humvee was ambushed in Iraq three years ago. The day brings mixed emotions for Lynch.

"I’m excited to be here with her family, seeing everyone, it’s great to come back here, but at the same time it is hard … it’s emotionally hard,” says Lynch.

Piestewa's aunt says the family will continue to hold a memorial service like this each year, and considers March 23 a holy day.

"It gets better every year, because everybody’s love combined, people of all colors, all sizes, all ages, come together, and just celebrate each other, and celebrate what our soldiers are doing for us,” says Mary Martin, Piestewa’s aunt.

“Whoever has lost someone, we just want them to know, we love you, we care about you, and they’re in our prayers. All the kids that are still out there, we love them and are praying for them, too. I mean, big time,” says her aunt.

Piestewa’s two children, eight-year-old Brandon and six-year-old Karla were also at the service.

An evening reception and candlelight vigil will also be held to honor those who lost loved ones in the war on terror Thursday night at 6:30 at the Hilton Garden Inn near the corner of Central and Indian School Road.