ELDORA – Iowans welcomed the fallen Iowa Marine with a procession from Des Moines International Airport to his home of Eldora.
His family and marines from his own platoon in California were at the airport when the plane landed in Des Moines. People inside the aircraft held American flags up to their windows as the marines carried the casket from the plane to the hearse.
From there the Patriot Guard, police, the fire department, and family and friends rode in the procession to bring Lance Cpl. Haley home.
“The Patriot Guard, and the police and fire department. That’s a good thing because that honors what the child has done and the family should be proud,” said Eldora native Jerry Helton.
Cody’s friends said that this was when it finally hit them that he was gone, but they are happy that he is being remembered this way.
The streets in Eldora were lined with yellow ribbons and American flags. Even the movie theatre had a tribute on the marquee.
“I put up a tribute to Cody, Siempre Fidelis Lance Corporal Cody Haley. I have several friends and classmates in the Marine Corps and they’ve always let me know the importance of that phrase,” said the theatre manager Dave Rubow.
Lance Cpl. Cody Haley died on August 4 at Camp Pendleton after a tree fell on him during physical training.
Next weekend there will be visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 1-5PM, a “homecoming” football game where Cody’s brother will wear his jersey and a bonfire following the game. Cody’s funeral will be held on Saturday.
