SAYING GOODBYE

A motorcade of approximately 50 cars followed Sgt. Mark Ecker from the Forastiere-Smith Funeral Home in East Longmeadow to his final resting place at the Massachusetts Veterans' Cemetery in Agawam on July 20. East Longmeadow Selectman Paul Federici said he was struck by how many people lined the streets in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Agawam to pay their respects to the Iraq War veteran.
A short service took place in the chapel at the Veterans' Cemetery before those in attendance were asked to pay their final respects. A bugler played Taps as an American flag was presented to his parents, Mark and Debra Ecker.
Ecker died in a car accident on July 10.


Motorcycle-riding veterans displayed flags near the entrance of the cemetery.


Those close to Ecker pay their final respects in the chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Cemetery in Agawam.


Selectman Jim Driscoll, who was close to Ecker, is seen leaving the final funeral service.