Hundreds lined the streets of northern Connecticut on Friday to pay their respects to a Marine slain in Chattanooga.
As the procession passed, mourners held a moment of somber silence to honor Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan. With flags raised high, they paid their final respects.
"Never met him, but he's still my brother. They all are. They're our brothers and sisters. We're going to stand here, and we're going to support them every day," said veteran Malachi Knowles.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Sullivan joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and earned the Purple Heart.
Last week he became one of five servicemen killed in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
"I want him to be welcomed home," said an emotional Mark Olson. "This didn't have to happen."
Olson is an Iraq war veteran and never met Sullivan, but he and hundreds more felt compelled to line up on overpasses in Enfield as police escorted the 40-year-old Marine home from Bradley International Airport.
As the procession crossed state lines and entered Springfield, American flags and thankful neighbors greeted Sullivan's family.
"It's horrible to lose anyone, but you know, right to the last minute he did his best to take care of his people," said veteran Richard Tyrell.
They say they take pride in what Sullivan did and what he stands for.
"It shows the community is coming together. It's a sad day, but it's great to see people are honoring this Marine's memory," said Holly Blair of Springfield.
Visiting hours are Sunday from 1-5 p.m. at T.P. Sampson Chapel in Springfield. The funeral service on Monday is closed to the public.
