Dozens line up along Bayshore Boulevard to pay their respects to fallen soldier
Soldier died five days after his daughters birth
Photographer: WFTS
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 10/13/2011
TAMPA - A fallen Bay Area soldier was welcomed home Thursday.
Dozens lined up along Bayshore Boulevard to pay their respects to 1st Lt. Ivan Lechowich.
The 27 year old died just five days after his wife gave birth to the couples first child.
Mourners held flags as the King High School and University of Florida graduate was escorted from MacDill Air Force Base to a funeral home.
Many who showed up, say they want the Lechowich family to know that Ivan was appreciated.
"It's important for my son and daughter to know the sacrifice, especially someone so young with a family that we can relate to," Melanie Marsh said.
"It's important for us to show the family this and to show the country that these guys aren't alone when they come back," Walt Atzert said. "We love them."
A public visitation will be held tomorrow at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Valrico, and then the funeral will take place on Saturday.
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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