WILLOUGHBY, Ohio -- A rainbow appeared Friday night, over a football stadium in Willoughby where the people of Lake County paid tribute to a fallen U.S. Marine.
The family of Lance Corporal David Baker believes the rainbow is a symbol that their son is smiling down on them.
But, they are still grief stricken over his death on Tuesday in Afghanistan.
The 22-year-old was killed by a roadside bomb as his unit was taking part in combat operations in the Helmand Province.
His father, Mark Baker, says, "Those guys have not stopped crying for two days. That's how well he was loved and how well he was received and he truly is...he truly is an American hero, you know he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and he did his job."
David Baker died while providing cover for his fellow Marines as point man. His father says, "I don't know, I wish I was a fraction of the man my son was, and I'm going to be 53-years-old. I'm not sure I'd have that kind of courage but David didn't even think twice about it, he just did it."
There was a moment of silence before Friday's game between Willoughby South High School, and Painesville Riverside, from which David Baker graduated in 2006.
His family was moved by the tribute.
Mark Baker says, "God bless each and every one of them, God bless each and every person who has lifted David up in their prayers."
The coach of Riverside, who taught David Baker as a student, says the young Marine symbolizes what real battle and sacrifice are all about.
Ryan Wolf says, "He fought for our country to protect this game. The things that we do here -- and you know everything that America stands for -- and I think that's something they should see and be proud of and know and be proud of David, what he did."
As if on cue, Riverside took the opening kick-off and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown.
His family says that too, would bring a smile to David's face.
The remains of Lance Corporal Baker will be returned to Cleveland on Thursday. The family is encouraging people to line the route as the procession goes from Hopkins Airport to his home in Painesville Township.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
The family of Lance Corporal David Baker believes the rainbow is a symbol that their son is smiling down on them.
But, they are still grief stricken over his death on Tuesday in Afghanistan.
The 22-year-old was killed by a roadside bomb as his unit was taking part in combat operations in the Helmand Province.
His father, Mark Baker, says, "Those guys have not stopped crying for two days. That's how well he was loved and how well he was received and he truly is...he truly is an American hero, you know he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and he did his job."
David Baker died while providing cover for his fellow Marines as point man. His father says, "I don't know, I wish I was a fraction of the man my son was, and I'm going to be 53-years-old. I'm not sure I'd have that kind of courage but David didn't even think twice about it, he just did it."
There was a moment of silence before Friday's game between Willoughby South High School, and Painesville Riverside, from which David Baker graduated in 2006.
His family was moved by the tribute.
Mark Baker says, "God bless each and every one of them, God bless each and every person who has lifted David up in their prayers."
The coach of Riverside, who taught David Baker as a student, says the young Marine symbolizes what real battle and sacrifice are all about.
Ryan Wolf says, "He fought for our country to protect this game. The things that we do here -- and you know everything that America stands for -- and I think that's something they should see and be proud of and know and be proud of David, what he did."
As if on cue, Riverside took the opening kick-off and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown.
His family says that too, would bring a smile to David's face.
The remains of Lance Corporal Baker will be returned to Cleveland on Thursday. The family is encouraging people to line the route as the procession goes from Hopkins Airport to his home in Painesville Township.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
