Recently, while visiting friends in Bristol, Rhode Island and “discovered” a town covered in American Flags to say goodbye First Sgt. Andrew McKenna, a 17-year Army Ranger, who was killed in combat in Afghanistan after 6 tours in the Afghanistan and Iraq.

While we continue to mourn the loss of these brave heroes, the citizens of Bristol poured out to extend their gratitude to Sgt. McKenna and many veterans showed up to attend the funeral that had traffic tied-up for several hours. Found below are a couple of photographs that exemplify this heartfelt tribute to a brave young warrior:

While the war in Afghanistan continues to grind on, the citizens of Bristol – and Americans everywhere – realize the tremendous sacrifice our young men and women in uniform make each day to defend our freedoms. Thank you Sgt. McKenna. Our thoughts are with your family and the many friends you leave behind.