BELLINGHAM, Wash. - In the heart of Bellingham there's a place called Yeager’s Sporting Goods - a place where there is always time to honor a Marine.
"I don't know if we ever missed one and I don't know if we ever would,” said store manager John Westerfield, who posts his show of gratitude along the route that will carry Marine Captain Daniel Bartle to his final resting place.
"It's a loss of life, it's a precious life that is important to his community and his family,” said Westerfield.
At Bellingham Airport, the plane arrives with the precious cargo and the sorrowful ceremony begins.
For the Bartle family, the gravity of this moment is heavier than we could ever imagine.
"We're very proud of this young man.
The 27-year-old Ferndale native followed a perfect line - class valedictorian, a graduate of the US Naval Academy, a decorated Marine.
Along the route to the funeral home, the community gathers
"I was in Iraq twice I know what it feels like to be away from your family and the only thing you can do for his family is just pray," said Marine Robert Hunt.
The veteran's from Yeager's store also stand in salute.
"It brings back a lot of memories from when I was in and when I was over there too,” said Cpl. Jesse Allerlings.
And just like that, the fallen hero passes through to his final resting place – finally home.
The state honors Captain Bartle this upcoming week. Gov. Chris Gregoire directed flags be flown at half-staff at Washington state buildings on Tuesday
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