(WAVE/WKYT) – A community said its final goodbyes to a hometown hero who was killed serving this country.
Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington’s funeral was held on Saturday, March 21.
Pennington died from his injuries after a strike on an Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Before the funeral service, hundreds of people poured into Central Hardin High School to pay their respects.
As the service came to a conclusion, and almost on cue, rain began to fall, the doors to Central Hardin High School opened up, and the melody of Amazing Grace played by the bagpipes filled the air.
Next, a hearse carrying the body of Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington exited the school, making its way under a giant American flag, hoisted up by two fire truck engines.
A somber and poignant send-off for an American hero.
Pennington, 26, died from his wounds after a strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
According to his obituary posted online, Pennington’s dream and calling in life was to be an American soldier.
It also said he enjoyed running on Central Hardin’s cross country and track and field teams.
Several people attending the service could be seen wearing Central Hardin cross country and track gear.
Just some of many people it’s clear Pennington left an impression on.
On Friday, hundreds more people lined the streets from Fort Knox to Glendale as he was returned home.
He will be interred at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff.
Anyone interested in supporting SSG Pennington and his family can donate to the SSG Benjamin Pennington Dream Fund on the Central Kentucky Community Foundation website.