TERRELL - The patriotic flags flew early in downtown Terrell Thursday to honor a fallen son who had walked the sidewalks only weeks ago.

Jonathon Emard died in Iraq about a week ago.

"We were all telling him we were going to miss him, but we looked forward to seeing him when he got back, and we never expected this," said Shirley Scarborough.

A somber, quiet crowd gathered, lining Moore Street to salute and say goodbye.

"It matters not what your political affiliation is, or how you feel about this war. One of our own has been lost in battle," said Wayne Babovic of the Chamber of Commerce.

The procession began with a police escort of flashing lights, then the motorcycles with more flags waving.

All for Jonathon Emard - or "JD."

"You never would have expected that this was the one that God was going to call home so early," said Janis Blair from Wells Fargo Bank.

"We appreciate his service, going out and fighting, so that we can have the freedom that we enjoy here in America," said Joe Kelley from the Terrell Eagle Riders.

JD was born in the nearby town of Poetry, where he played football and soccer and served in Scout Troop 390.

The same troop Michael Mynxx is in now.

"I really felt that I should be here, and I also wanted to come," he said.

Hundreds lined up to honor the young soldier on his final trip downtown.

"We watched these kids grow up, and it's hard," said Scarborough.

It's especially hard in Terrell.

Since the war in Iraq began, they've stood this silent vigil twice before.

E-mail jbrady@wfaa.com.