Hundreds of people waving American flags circled the courthouse square in Lockhart Wednesday afternoon to welcome home a man many consider a hero.
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody Stanley, 21,was killed Oct. 28 when an improvised explosive device exploded near him in Afghanistan. His body was flown back to Texas Wednesday and was escorted to Lockhart by a procession including police, his family and friends and the volunteer Patriot Guard.
The procession circled the courthouse in Lockhart, where hundreds of flag-waving mourners stood waiting. As the procession slowly drove by, veterans saluted and others stood at attention, some with their hands over their hearts.
"We felt it was important to be here to support the family and show that we truly respect the loss, and the sacrifice they've given," said Laurie Davis, who brought her two young daughters to the courthouse square two hours before the procession arrived. "I think it's important that we understand that this is something important that needs to be honored and respected."
She said she didn't know Cody Stanley, but still fells unspeakable sorrow for his family.
"Once you live in Lockhart of Caldwell County, you might as well all be family,'' she said.
Across the square, David Mendez and his brother carefully put up an American flag at A-1 Bail Bonds just before the procession arrived.
"We felt he needed to be honored for what he accomplished over in Afghanistan," Mendez said.
Mendez was a high school classmate of Stanley's father, Bob, and he said he wanted the Stanley family to look out of their car during the procession and see that they are loved and that people in Lockhart are proud of Cody Stanley.
"We're not going to forget what he has done," Mendez said. "We'll hang in there and let the Stanleys know we'll never forget their boy. I think all of Lockhart is pretty much mourning the loss."
From the courthouse, Stanley's body was taken to the McCurdy Funeral home in Lockhart. His funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Smithville.
