FITZGERALD, GA (WALB) -
Only family and friends were allowed in the church for today's funeral service for Marine Lance Corporal Steven Sutton.
Many other people lined the streets outside First Baptist Church in Leesburg to pay their respects.
One group made signs to Big Steve Sutton and held them as the hearse carrying the fallen Marine's body passed by.
As the hearse carrying the body of Lance Corporal Steve Sutton left First Baptist Church of Leesburg, dozens of people stood along the roadsides with signs to pay their final respects.
"We want to make this moment for the family to be able to mourn and to respectfully remember Steve," said Cameron Malphrus.
Kris Letlow says she didn't know Lance Corporal Sutton but said it was important to show respect and show how strong the community is.
"We are a community. We don't have to know each other to stand for each other," said Letlow
And mission accomplished as thousands of people pulled together and showed the power of unity to honor a fallen hero.
"A big part of the community is neighborhoods and appreciating everyone. So that's what we're trying to do. This is our neighborhood and community and it's important for us to maintain respect in that," said Malphrus
"This community has a great history of doing that. We come together for each other and you don't have to be next door neighbors. You don't have to know each other, just as long as you say 'oh our neighbors need us'," said Letlow.
They say Lance Corporal Sutton made the ultimate sacrifice and coming out to say their final goodbyes is the least they could do.
Children also helped to put those signs together, they felt they had a duty to honor Lance Corporal Sutton as well.
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