A solemn day in the Valley, as an Alton family says its final goodbyes to Staff Sergeant Bradley Espinoza.
Espinoza's body was first escorted to San Martin de Porres Church where family, friends and veterans gathered to thank God for his life and for the ultimate sacrifice.
The family of Army Specialist Alex Gonzalez, a soldier who also died in Iraq back in May of 2008 told Action 4 News they know exactly what it is to go through a day like this.
"I'm here to support them because, due to the fact my son past over there as well, I'm just here, anybody that comes here that related to that. I'm all the way on their side" said Urbano Gonzalez, Specialist Gonzalez' father.
Alex's sister Casey Ojeda was also there to support the Espinoza's. "I know what it is to go through, to lose someone in the war, it's very hard, but we can move on everyday by his memories, we're always going to cherish his memories."
The funeral procession makes its way to the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.
A group of veterans saluted as the hearse made its way to Sergeant Espinoza's last resting place.
Espinoza's flag-draped casket was unloaded for the last good bye.
With full military honors including the 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps, the Valley hero joined many others at the cemetery who have died in battle as well.
Flags were flying at half staff as the last tribute to a brave soldier who was killed while disarming a bomb in Iraq 10 days ago.
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