Flags are flying in Porterville, in the streets, in the air and in the hands of mourners... Support for army private first class AJ Pardo.
He was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan along with 5 other soldiers.
The support filled the Porterville aiport.
A crowd lined the fence to say goodbye and thank you.
Diana McKay didn't know him, but she is proud of him.
"Knowing that he's from our town and he served for us, for our country, I just felt I had to be here."
Dozens of people felt the same way.
They made signs to show the family they care.
"That's why I'm out here... To support his family, to support his relatives and everyone else who's lost family in this war."
The crowd stood silent as Pardo's body was carried off the plane.
His mom, Kate was the first to say goodbye.
She expressed her thoughts in a written statement.
She said, "the loss of life is both tragic and inevitable, but as AJ said of his service... If not me, then who? AJ was proud to serve the community and the nation."
The words mean a lot to this town, and pardo's life, his courage and service will be remembered.
TXT 24
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