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Sam Penrod ReportingA Utah soldier killed in Iraq was laid to rest today. Sgt. Nathan Barnes of American Fork was killed in combat on July 17.
Today, hundreds of people turned out to remember him.
U.S. flags line the streets to the American Fork cemetery. And Boy Scouts from the community, including troop 934, the troop Sgt. Nathan Barnes grew up in, are here to honor him.
Troop member Raul Elbaba said, "Honesty, truth, love of country and love of God. That's the way he lived, and that's the way he believed a young man should live. A true American hero."
The scouts call Sgt. Barnes a role model.
"It makes me feel proud that he served for us and that he's just been a really good friend," Michael Elbaba said.
Carson Hatch, also of troop 934, said he's "proud that I could serve someone who fought for our freedom."
At the American Fork cemetery, Sgt. Barnes was given full military honors, after serving in Iraq for a year, in the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army.
Bishop Jim Pack, of the LDS Hillcrest 4th Ward, said, "During his time there in Iraq, he would e-mail back and say he's gotten to know and serve and love the children and the people of Iraq, which is a wonderful tribute to him and the great man he is."
Sgt. Barnes was remembered today not only as a soldier, but as a son and brother.
"Nathan was a fun-loving, God-fearing, enjoyable young man. Twenty-three years of age. He had a passion for children and a passion for life," Bishop Pack said.
"The Barnes family truly feels honored to have a son who would give his all in preservation of the freedoms of this land," Pack added.
A final tribute to a soldier, from family, his country and his community.
