Procession Held For Fallen Marine Captain Ross Reynolds
LEOMINSTER (CBS) -- The remains of a Marine Captain from Leominster who was killed overseas returned to Massachusetts Saturday afternoon. Twenty-seven-year-old Ross Reynolds was one of four service members who died last month when an aircraft crashed during a NATO drill in Norway.
Capt. Reynolds' body arrived at Logan Airport and then a procession escorted him to his hometown of Leominster.
Two fire trucks draped the American flag over Electric Avenue as the procession made its way through Fitchburg. Both sides of the street were surrounded by friends, strangers, and military families.
"My heart is broken, even though I didn't know him," said Eulalia Rodriguez of Fitchburg.
The procession moved through downtown and then into Fitchburg, where it ended at Anderson Funeral Home on Clarendon Street.
"It's always hard, a loss of life anyways, but this was a training exercise," said Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale.
For Karen Tomao, the procession hit close to home.
"It felt like the right to do. I am the mother of a vet, and I get it. This is not a place you want to stand, but it's our duty," Tomao said.
Those who knew him best say Capt. Reynolds was the type of person who could light up a room. Growing up, he was Eagle Scout and would often volunteer his time to hold up the American Flag at community events. On Saturday, everyone was holding a flag in memory of him.
"It's important to show Ross's family we appreciate his sacrifice and take time out and recognize what our military does for us," Kim Alicea of Fitchburg said.
A public wake will be held Monday at city hall from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at St. Cecilia's Church on Mechanic Street at 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Mass will also be broadcast live at city hall.
Burial will be a private ceremony at the Massachusetts Memorial Veterans' Cemetery in Winchendon.