The funeral service for fallen Marine Pfc. Jake Suter, who was killed in Afghanistan last week, was held at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McBean Parkway.
The service was followed by a procession, which ended at Jake Kuredjian Park on Pico Canyon Road. There a tent was set up for the family, while more than 200 residents paid their respects.
Patriot Guard Riders lead the procession to the park and lined both sides of the tent while the service was being held.
The Ventura Girlz, made up of local residents Molly and Lindsey Ryan and Hayley and Kelsey Smith, sang “Amazing Grace” to open the memorial and later sang “God Bless the USA.”
Congressman Buck McKeon and Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar spoke about the sacrifice Suter and his family had made for their country.
The All Veterans Burial Squad, which is made up of veterans from across the San Fernando Valley and accompanying areas, provided a 21-gun salute as well as the playing of taps.
A number of local servicemen dressed in their formal uniforms came to the memorial as well.
Michelle Unthank, Suter’s mother, was given a flag, which was flown over the Capitol, as well as Gold Star pins from the Blue Star Mothers of the Canyons.
Parents of other fallen soldiers from Santa Clarita, including the parents of Spc. Ian Geleg who was killed in March, exchanged long hugs with Unthank and her husband.
The family said they will hold a private burial service out of state.