Rochester, N.Y. – Just before 4 p.m. the body of fallen Marine, Lance Corporal Zachary Smith returned to Rochester.
The 19-year old Hornell native was killed in Helmand province Afghanistan January 24th.
13WHAM's cameras were not permitted inside for what we are told was a very private welcoming for Smith by his family.
Outside of the airport gates on Scottsville Rd. stood state troopers, and two men who served as Marines not long ago--Mike Knorr, and Karl Schwab.
"It hits home even if you don't know him, the Marine corp is definately a brotherhood, um, you know the guys that you talk to that are active duty, the guys that are actually over there---they know what they're getting into, they know what the risks are, and what they are doing," said Knorr.
As for the crowd, there wasn't much of one outside of the airport.
Knorr, and Schwab where the only two standing--when asked if that was disheartening, Schwab said, no.
"I'm not really dissapointed, I'm just glad myself and my friend are here at least they (the Smith family) know that someone cares," said Schwab.
Flags will fly half-staff Monday across New York in Smith’s honor.
A recorded message from the funeral home handling Smith's service gave no details as to when the funeral or calling hours would be held, but they are expected to take place next week.
