LOVELAND — Thousands of people lined the city’s streets today in a salute to a local man they called “hero,” Sgt. Isaac Palomarez, who was killed earlier this month in Afghanistan.
Men, women and children, most holding U.S. flags of varying sizes, lined a route between the Loveland church where a Mass of Christian burial was said for the soldier and Resthaven Memorial Gardens, where he was buried.
More than 100 cars joined the funeral procession, which was saluted all along its 5-mile route.
Rick Hoover, 61, a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, took time out of his day along with his son and two grandchildren to honor Palomarez.
“He’s the first Lovelander to give his life in Afghanistan,” Hoover said. “I have to be here for support.”
Keith Hoover, Rick’s son, brought his children, Zach, 4, and Megan, 2, to pay tribute.
“It’s very important these two get to know why we live like we do” — free of tyranny and terror, Keith Hoover said.
Palomarez, 26, died May 9 when his 101st Airborne infantry team was hit by an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire.
He had graduated from Loveland High School in 2001, where he was an offensive lineman with the state champion football team.
His parents, Candido and Elma Palomarez, still live in Loveland, although his three brothers have moved away.
Today, homeowners along the funeral route set out lawn chairs, workers spilled out of their businesses and students from Loveland High School, including the school’s ROTC color guard, stood in respect.
Linda Cottam, 50, got up at 4 a.m. and climbed on the back of her husband’s Harley Davidson motorcycle to drive to Loveland from their home in Kimball, Neb.
Linda and Randy Cottam are members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a volunteer group of motorcycle riders who support military members and their families.
“I think it’s good that they know people back here are supporting them and standing behind them,” Linda Cottam said of Palomarez’s family and friends.
Rick Shoaf said more than 100 guard riders showed up for the service, most of them standing at attention in the hot sun holding flags.
“We’re here to stand up for his family and honor and American hero who was killed overseas,” Shoaf said. “It’s important they get the respect and dignity they deserve.”
The Rev. John Kunsemiller of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church eulogized Palomarez as a man of “faith, duty, honor and country.”
“Those were his greatest commitments,” Kunsemiller said.
During the full military service with honors, the Army presented Palomarez’s family with his Purple Heart and Bronze Star, the military’s highest honor.
Matthew Miller, 24, went through basic training with Palomarez, was assigned to the same platoon and served with him in Iraq for two years.
Miller flew to Colorado from his home in Virginia to attend the service.
“He was extremely even-keeled,” Miller said. “He cared more than anything about his friends. He did everything he could to make sure they were taken care of.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
