Fallen marine returns to Chattanooga
It was a long journey home for a Dade County marine killed in Afghanistan. The body of Lance Corporal Taylor Richards returned home Friday.
Richards body arrived at the Chattanooga Airport around 2 p.m. Friday. From there a procession led by the Dade County Sheriff's Office, Georgia State Patrol, and Chattanooga Police drove through Trenton so the community could salute their hometown hero.
Hundreds lined the streets as Richards body drove by. Some knew him, some didn't, but they all wanted to say thank you.
"It's great to be a part of this. It's sad to be a part of this. But it's an honor to pay your respect to somebody like the good corporal," said Don Walker.
From Trenton the procession ended at the Chattanooga Funeral Home. Services for Richards will be held there from noon to four on Saturday. About 30 Patriot Guard Riders - all military veterans - helped escort Richards' body.
"It breaks my heart, everyone here's the same way I think. The sacrifice is amazing . I don't feel like I've done anything, but these guys here have done a lot," said Navy Veteran Pat Hagan.
Richards was serving in Afghanistan following his Father and grandfather footsteps as a marine. He leaves behind a wife and young daughter.
Richards will be buried at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
