KINGSLEY -- Friends and family of U.S. Marine Sgt. Justin Hansen gathered together today to honor his life and the legacy he leaves behind.
"We all respect the service that Justin Hanson provided his country and he gave his last full devotion by giving his life for this country," Community member Jim Carlson said.
"He has given the ultimate and that is the least I can do to kind of honor him," Community member Jenny Hlavka said.
And honor him they did. Hundreds waited in line to say goodbye one last time. And the flag he fought to protect could be found everywhere in town.
"We are just kind of wrapping ourselves around the family for support and I think it's good for other people to noticed what kind of sacrifices the families make," Community member Susan Raven said.
Nearly everyone in town took a moment to reflect on what his service meant for the country.
"For us freedom is not free and it proves it by him giving it all," Community member Ann Roman said.
After the funeral Hansen was buried at Memorial Gardens Cemetary, off 14th street in Traverse City. Hansen was a 2003 graduate of Kingsley High School and joined the Marines in 2005. He served a combat tour in Iraq and was on his second posting to Afghanistan.
