Sprayberry High School in Marietta held a memorial service Tuesday night for Lance Cpl. Skip Wells who was killed in last week's shooting rampage in Chattanooga.
Hundreds of people filled the stadium, including dozens of Marines and Wells' family.
Wells' mother Cathy fought back tears as Marines escorted her into the stadium and then handed her flowers.
Several people spoke about Wells' smile and friendly, lovable demeanor. A former teacher said Wells loved his country and felt a calling to be a Marine. One man described Wells as "simply a great guy."
"Take a look around at the support and you can see that the young man had a lot of friends and a lot of people that cared about him. That's because he was such a great person," said retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dennis Wonders.
Wonders instructed Wells in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Sprayberry High School and had the duty of issuing the 21-year-old's final orders before a crowd of thousands at his public memorial service.
"You are relieved of your duties. We thank you for your service and your ultimate sacrifice," Wonders said.
Dozens of people then released balloons in his honor as "God Bless America" played through the stadium speakers.
"We preach citizenship. Wells was the perfect citizen. He was a good citizen. Because he loved his family. He loved his community. He loved his country," said Gunnery Sgt. Joe Ingram, an NJROTC instructor.
Wells one of five servicemen killed in the attack at a Chattanooga recruiting office.
Throughout the day Tuesday, Channel 2's Carl Willis saw signs of patriotism from young and old, civilians and fellow Marines.
"His death in service of this great nation places him in the ranks of those with greatest valor," said U.S. Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga.
Those who knew Wells say his character and personality will never be forgotten and his family will always have support.
"You are not alone. We have your back. We are your family," Wonders said.
Funeral plans for Wells are still being arranged.
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