JASPER, IN (WFIE) -
Firemen and Patriot Guard riders led a procession on Wednesday for the fallen Dubois County Marine that ended in Jasper where a visitation will be held on Thursday.
The body of Lance Cpl. Alec Terwiske now lies inside the Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home in Jasper.
Hundreds, if not thousands of people lined the procession route on Wednesday to show their support for the fallen Marine.
"It's just so heartbreaking for the family to think they lost a son like this," said Donna Mehling, who attended the procession.
Emergency crews and Patriot Guard riders escorted the body of Marine Lance Corporal Alec Terwiske. His family close behind, passing by the flags and signs carried by an army of supporters.
"We gotta show our support and our sympathy. It's a beautiful day. God was smiling," Mehling said.
"Seeing all the flags in people's yards and I just almost break down for the family. It's just very sad," said Christian White.
In Terwiske's hometown of Dubois, dozens of students lined Fourth Street to honor the hero many of them never met.
"It was pretty tough, actually you know. You go by the schools and you see all those kids out there. Went by one place and people were handing roses out to the family," said Patriot Guard Rider Joe Cobb.
Outside Terwiske's home, the Marine flag flies at half-staff, and signs like this one thank Terwiske for his supreme sacrifice.
Sheriff's deputies and police directed traffic as the procession passed through each town for a Marine taken much too soon.
"Very, very young. Very dedicated because he volunteered. He wanted to help his country and he knew the dangers,"said David Prepster Sr., a Navy veteran.
They're expecting a big crowd to be at the funeral home on Thursday for the visitation. A funeral is set for Friday.
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Hundreds, if not thousands of people lined the procession route on Wednesday to show their support for the fallen Marine.
