SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — A small town mourned a hometown hero who was killed fighting in Afghanistan.
The family of Lance Cpl. Blake Rogers held his funeral on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, because they said the attacks inspired him to join the U.S. Marines.
Hundreds packed Oak Hill Baptist Church in Spalding County Saturday to remember the 11-year-old boy who sat in front of his TV nine years ago and committed himself to a life serving his country. Griffin residents lined the procession holding flags and signs with messages for Rogers.
Family members said they were comforted that his sacrifice didn't go unnoticed. Many residents at the funeral didn't even know him.
"I came to pay my respects to Blake. We live in the greatest country in the world, and it's because of brave men like Blake Rogers that we can say that," a mourner told Channel 2's Pam Martin.
Rogers was buried with full military honors at Westwood Cemetery on a day his friends, family and the nation will never forget.