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It was more than a row of red, white and blue – It was a sign of support during a Galveston family’s worst nightmare.

Respect for Army Specialist Eddie Tamez’s ultimate sacrifice came from more than 150 Patriot Guard riders Saturday, all of them men and women who would never get to meet the eager soldier.

Courtesy photo

Spc. Eddie Tamez of Galveston, shown with his wife Katy in this family provided photo, was killed Friday in Iraq.

“We may not have known him, but we know what he did for us and what others have done for us in protecting our freedom,” John Darner of the Patriot Guard Riders said.

Showing up during the funeral procession was the only thing many knew to do.

“Not waste the lives of the ones that died trying their best to bring freedom to them,” supporter Carol Cline said.

That was certainly the case for this soldier who recently celebrated his 21^st birthday in Iraq.

He was deployed three months ago and killed after an IED detonated near his vehicle.

His family pleaded with him not to go.  After all, he had just returned from a two-year tour of duty in Germany. 

But Tamez insisted it was his obligation to serve his country, and recently re-enlisted for another three years.

“Ever since he was little he wanted to go to war,” Tamez’s cousin said. “He’s more man than I could ever think of … To be able to risk his life for all of us … It’s hard.”

Hard for a young bride who will never grow old with the man she loves and for an entire community who had to say goodbye to another local hero.