WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Denham Springs honors fallen soldier
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Army Specialist Michael Cote Jr.By Tyana Williams - bio | email
DENHAM SPRINGS, LA (WAFB) - American flags lined the streets Tuesday as hundreds of people in Denham Springs paid tribute to a fallen soldier many of them didn't even know.
The event was in honor of Army Specialist Michael Cote Jr. The 20-year-old died when the Blackhawk helicopter he was riding in crashed near Baghdad.
"We just want to show we honor our boys that are giving their lives for our freedom," David Gros, one of several business owners who put up flags along Range Avenue, said. "To learn a lesson that nothing is free in America," Joe Mitchell, a Vietnam veteran, said. "Somebody has to pay the price."
Adults weren't the only ones to stand roadside as Cote made his way to his final resting place. Several hundred high school and elementary students also held the nation's symbol to honor the soldier. Many people brought their young children and grandchildren to experience the show of patriotism.
"I didn't know the family at all, but we're out here anyway," Lyn Rancher said, as she held her grandson, who is only three years old.
In the distance, the sound of Taps filled the air and overhead, a helicopter followed the action on the street. The community showed how it says goodbye to one of its heroes.
"This is the most patriotic thing you can do for a man giving his life for his country," Mitchell says.
Cote left behind his wife, Ashlee, a six-month-old baby girl, a father, mother, sisters and a brother. While no one can imagine the loss to his family, those in attendance said they hope the family knows how much the citizens appreciate Cote's service.
Cote was the only soldier killed in the helicopter crash. Twelve others were injured. Cote graduated from Denham Springs High School in 2007. Messages remembering his life were posted on the school's marquee.
Michael Cote Jr. would have celebrated his 21st birthday on Oct. 5.
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