VIDEO: Hundreds Gather for Cpl. Reinhard Procession

In an awesome display of patriotism, hundreds of residents lined the 1.5 mile final stretch in from  in Clark to in Colonia.

Despite the bitter 30 degree weather, schoolchildren came out from their classrooms and residents from their homes to pay respect to the fallen soldier.

As the long line of cars drove past, residents stood still and silent, many of them with hands over their hearts or in a firm salute.

Reinhard, 25, was on a helicopter mission when the aircraft went down in the southern Afghani province of Helmand. It was the deadliest attack against US military since August when 30 American troops died after a Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in Wardak province.

Children who had the day off didn't run as they usually did. They stood for the most part quietly in place, despite the frigid weather, clutching American flags that were being freely given out.

"I want to say goodbye," said one little boy who stood close to his father, who held a bigger flag, his face tight with respect in anticipation of Reinhard's casket passing by.

Two veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom never met Reinhard, but they travelled from Union Township to Colonia to pay their respects for a fellow soldier. 

Matt Zeiser was a Petty Officer in the Seabees. His high school friend, Danny Rodriguez, became a Marine sergeant. Both were united in their feeling for Reinhard.

"I'm here to pay homage to a fellow brother in arms," Zeiser said. Both men stood on Inman Ave., ignoring the cold, and waited patiently to bid adieu to a fellow veteran of a 21st century war.

The procession included police cars with flashing lights, and a phalanx of motorcyclists riding in solidarity with the sacrifice of Reinhard to American freedom. 

Some of the bystanders had come prepared for a fight. holding up signs declaring Reinhard's death in Afghanistan as a sign of God's judgment on America. The deaths of soldiers oversees, they believe, is because various states in the country have legalized homosexual marriage.

Nearly 50 different police cars from various towns were on site to honor Reinhard, but  also to make sure the funeral was a peaceful one. No protestors were in sight.

"It's so painful, but it's what we should be doing for this man who paid the ultimate price," said Karen Braun, who had travelled from south Jersey to pay tribute to the fallen hero.