Tribute to fallen soldier: 'You'll always be my hero'

SNOQUALMIE, Wash. - People lined the streets in several local communities Saturday in an emotional tribute to a fallen soldier.

Eric Ward was just 19 years old when he was killed in Afghanistan, but he was honored as a hero by many who knew him - and many who did not.

As a motorcade of family members drove slowly by, an entire community of people of all ages waved dozens of red-white-and-blue American flags along the streets, showing respect and support.

Friends who knew him - and even total strangers - talked about who he was and the meaning of his death.

"His smile was amazing, his laugh was contagious," says his friend, Brielle Buhner, a schoolmate at Mount Si High School. "He just had a great positive attitude about life."

Eric Ward

Bob Christophersen, a veteran, explained why he came to honor Ward: "I love this flag, I love this country - it's an honor to be here and hold this flag for him, to salute his service."

Eric was killed during what the military describes as "hostile combat" in Afghanistan.

He was the first Mount Si High School graduate to die in the war on terror. And because he was killed in battle, he'll be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Inside the high school gym, where Eric excelled in sports, an emotional service followed from those who loved him, including his military family.

Eric was a fourth-generation Marine - following in the footsteps of his father, Steven Ward.

"You were my friend, you were my son," his father said at the service. "I'll miss you - you'll always be my hero."

Eric was described as warm, caring, a little mischevious - but always full of love.

"I am so happy I got to tell him I love him, and he was able to carry that with him as far as he went, and spread it to everyone he knew," said Eric's brother, Paul Gordon.

Someone so young - who touched so many.