Edgewood Soldier Laid To Rest At Arlington National Cemetery

Staff Sgt. Mark Rochetto De Alencar, who had lived in Edgewood, was buried Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The 37-year-old special forces soldier was killed in combat April 8 when confronted by enemies using small arms fire while serving in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan.

His visitation and funeral service were reportedly attended by hundreds in Abingdon.

The front door to St. Francis de Sales was decorated with red, white and blue streamers, according to the Catholic Review, which reported that Father John Ward said during Tuesday's service: "...there's no question he's in heaven because of his service and the life he gave for other people..."

On Wednesday morning, De Alencar's body was taken on a tour past Joppatowne High School, where he was in the class of 1998, according to The Aegis, which said that the route was from McComas Funeral Home on Abingdon Road to US 40 to Joppa Farm Road to US 40 to MD 152.

The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company and the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company were there with their equipment forming an arch with the American flag in the center, "a symbol of homage and respect...for his ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom," said Rich Gardiner of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

De Alencar was buried at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

He is survived by his wife and five children.

• Funeral Set For Sgt. Mark Rochetto De Alencar, 37
• Edgewood Soldier Killed In Afghanistan
• Soldier Death Prompts Lowering Of Harford County Flag, Response From Governor

Photo Credit: Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company.

See more images from the proceedings.