Loved Ones Mark Birthday of Fallen Murrieta Army Sergeant

Family and friends of U.S. Army Sgt. Eric E. Williams of Murrieta gathered Saturday night at Carlsbad State Beach to remember what would have been his 29th birthday.

After sharing dinner together in honor of Williams, whose birthday was Sept. 5, they released Chinese lanterns into the night sky, over the ocean.

Williams, a combat flight medic, died July 23, 2012 while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan.

"Carlsbad was Eric's favorite beach," said his mother, Janet Williams.

It was also a tradition that when Eric came home on leave, they would pick him up in San Diego and take him to his favorite restaurant, Norte, in Carlsbad, she said.

"So it seemed only fitting to have his birthday dinner there," Janet said, noting she plans to keep the tradition alive.

Among those who joined Janet for the occasion was Tony Ruiz, also of Murrieta, whose son, U.S. Army Sgt. Clinton K. Ruiz, 22, died Oct. 25, 2012 while serving in Afghanistan.

Both fallen soldiers were honored this week during the U-T San Diego Honor Bowl, which featured local high school football teams.