Lafayette community honors fallen soldier

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Dozens of Lafayette community members, Patriot Guard riders and complete strangers lined the streets of Lafayette Thursday to honor a fallen soldier.

"We came out to honor a soldier who gave his life for our country. He gave everything and we can give an hour to him to honor him," military mother Linda Ferraro said.

"We take our freedom and liberties for granted. And even when a soldier dies and is not from your community a lot of people are sad, but it really hits home when it's somebody close," State Captain of Indiana Patriot Guard Ron Coleman said.

"These gentleman who give their all will never be forgotten by the Patriot Guard," Patriot Guard rider Dale Ready said.

Never forgotten by the Patriot Guard and never forgotten by the Lafayette community.

"I just want his family to know and every soldier to know that they're not forgotten. The country appreciates them and we're thankful for their sacrifice," Ferraro said.

Thursday morning dozens of Patriot Guard riders and community members held American flags high as the plane carrying Staff Sgt. Kyle Osborn's body landed at the Purdue airport.

"It means the world to us that we've been invited by the family to come and honor their son who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," Coleman said.

The former McCutcheon Maverick died Sept. 13 in Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit with guns and rocket-propelled grenades.

But Thursday as the hearse carrying Osborn's body to Hippensteel Funeral Home drove through Lafayette, friends, family and even complete strangers paid their respect.

"It's part of the family. It's our life. They served the country for us and protect everything they're fighting for," Fowler resident Ray Lade said.

"It's important to let the family know that we stand with them and we're thankful for their son's sacrifice. They gave the ultimate sacrifice and we want to let the family know that they're not forgotten," Ferraro said.

For a photo gallery of the community support, click here .