An escort of first responders, Legionnaires and local officials accompanied the late Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher from Westover Air Force Base to Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield on Friday.
A crowd gathers at the Colonial Theatre to wait for the procession to drive by.
Residents came to pay their respects to Jake Galliher, who graduated from Taconic in 2017.
American flags were available at the Colonial Theatre and several other spots along the route.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The streets were somber and red, white and blue on Friday evening as community members welcomed Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher home.
"I think Pittsfield is proving what it's always been," Mayor-elect Peter Marchetti said. "When there is a tragedy or when there is a need to rally together, Pittsfield rallies together and it makes me proud to be a Pittsfielder today."
Galliher, 24, was killed on Nov. 29 when the Osprey aircraft he was on crashed off the coast of Japan along with seven other crew members. The Taconic High School graduate left behind his wife, Ivy, and 2-year-old and 6-week-old sons.
Members of the Pittsfield Police and Fire departments, the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office, the State Police, and the Dalton American Legion Riders escorted him home from Westover Air Force Base along a route through Lee, Lenox, and Pittsfield. Gov. Maura Healey had planned to meet the family at Westover.
At various locations in the city, people stood with flags and tears in their eyes as the long procession passed by. Hundreds gathered in front of the Colonial Theatre alone.
Mayor Linda Tyer was in procession of some 60 vehicles along with other local officials.
"I sincerely hope that we have given Jacob the hero's homecoming that he deserves," she said "While we can never truly know the magnitude of their heartbreak, we want Jacob's family to know that we stand with them in their grief."
The welcome home was a combination of efforts from the family, service members, and the city.
"I am in awe just at the number of people that have turned out to be here to welcome him home," Marchetti said.
Resident Carl Rose, whose son played football with Galliher, said he was a great man, a great father, and a great person to have a conversation with. He also noted that Galliher was a talented athlete.
"So I'm here to show my respect for him and his family and represent Taconic High School alumni," he said while wearing the high school's hat.
The wake for Galliher will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 2 to 6 at St. Agnes' Church in Dalton. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 11 a.m. also at St. Agnes.
The funeral will be livestreamed on the church's website, www.saintagnescc.com.
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