DECATUR - In solemn silence, seven soldiers wearing black trench coats marched a few steps forward against light drizzle to slide the flag-draped casket out of the chartered jet, onto a platform at the plane's door. Photo Gallery: Army Cpl. Karen Clifton

The military pallbearers carried the casket, containing the remains of Cpl. Karen N. Clifton, a few yards to a black hearse, which bore the seal of the U.S. Army on its doors.

About 25 family members and hundreds of supporters were at Decatur Airport on Thursday morning to pay their respects to Cpl. Clifton, who was killed in Iraq one week earlier.

There were thousands of more supporters lining the procession route between the airport and the funeral home, many holding U.S. flags and signs such as "Thank You For Your Sacrifice."

A group of employees and retirees of Mount Zion High School - where the fallen soldier attended and her father, Douglas, is employed - were at the airport in support of the family.

"I had to come," said Rita Burton, whose daughter served a tour in Iraq with the Illinois National Guard. "I've been to several of these. Being a parent that had a daughter over there, I can't imagine what they are going through."

For a complete story, check Friday's edition of the Herald & Review.