Illinois man comes to Berne, Indiana to honor fallen soldier

BERNE, Ind. (WANE) - Army National Guard Specialist Nick Taylor will be coming home to Berne Sunday. The community and one man from Illinois spent Saturday suiting up the town in American flags.

Larry Eckhardt has attended 94 fallen soldiers funerals to pay his tribute, but in a special way.

"The best attempt that I can do, we will be putting up 2200 flags, with the help of the community," Eckhardt said.

More than 100 people met up in South Adams High School's parking lot to help Eckhardt set up these flags across town. The flags will outline the route that Specialist Taylor's procession will be going through Sunday. Friends of Nick were honored to have this stranger come and help them honor their hometown hero.

"I think everything he's doing here is just a wonderful thing," said Austin Grabau.

Taylor was killed in Afghanistan last week when his truck was attacked. He will receive a police escort from the National Guard Base in Fort Wayne. From there, he'll be driven to Berne, using Ferguson Road, US 27 and State Road 218.

Taylor's viewing will be Monday, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. The funeral is Tuesday at 11 a.m., both are at South Adams High School.

Eckhardt said he's not a religious person, but said he's the most blessed man in America for one reason.

"I get to see the town at its absolute worst because they've lost a big part of their lives, and I get to see it at its absolute best because the people come out," he said.