Body Of Mokena Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Returns To Home
(CBS) -- It's a sad homecoming for an Illinois soldier who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. The body of Army Pfc. Aaron Toppen arrived in his hometown of Mokena.
WBBM's Bob Roberts reports forty police vehicles and more than 400 patriot motorcyclists took part in the procession and more than three dozen American flags lined the drive as the hearse arrived at the Vandenberg Funeral Home.
Greg Sand of Oak Forest says the manner of death doesn't matter, he says Private First Class Aaron Toppen is a hero.
"It is important to realize for Americans what this gentleman gave to us as Americans and to show him the patriotism and how much we support him for everything that he gave for us," said Sand.
Many wore t-shirts emblazoned with Toppen's name on the front and the words "Freedom isn't free" on the back. A National Guard truck displayed a sign that read, "All give some, some give all."
Visitation for Aaron Toppen will take place on Monday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park. The funeral at the church will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery in Mokena.