Marc Lee grew up in the Portland and Hood River area.
(HOOD RIVER) - The city of Hood River Oregon said goodbye to one of its own Saturday. Friends, family, active duty servicemen and veterans all joined together to recall the life of 28-year old Marc Lee, a young man who leaves many loved ones behind.
Marc was a Navy SEAL, one of the nation’s elite commandos that have been on the cutting edge when it comes to freedom and security, for decades. Marc was the first Navy SEAL to die in combat in Iraq.
When it comes to high level security and reconnaissance work, the Navy SEAL’s are among the best. During training, Marc almost failed because of pneumonia when he first went through the underwater demolitions program. After healing, he successfully became one of the Navy’s elite and it is a grueling and challenging life, even in peacetime.
Marc was killed while on operations in Iraq, and now the hundreds who gathered to pay their respects say the world has lost a real friend. And the sailors who knew him lost a brother in Marc, one who took his profession very seriously and a person whose character didn’t waiver.
It looked like most of the city of Hood River, Oregon turned out for the solemn event. A motorcycle escort group called the Patriot Guard was on hand to ensure that the funeral received a proper level of respect.
The Gold Star banner was presented to Marc’s family, it is the symbol of the ultimate sacrifice, and something that brings out the good in most people.
Marc Lee’s service was held at the Hood River Expo Center.
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