Fallen Marine
There was an outpouring from the community of Thousand Oaks for the family of Lance Corporal Anthony Charles Melia, killed on Jan. 27 while serving with the Marines in Iraq. People lined the streets of the funeral procession route to show their suppoirt. Here, Members of the Patriot Guard Riders offer support at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Community members show their support as they wait for the funeral procession at Thousand Oaks High School, where Melia had played football. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
The funeral procession heads to the family’s home. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
People lined the streets of the funeral procession route to show their support. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
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A sign sits at an entrance to Calvary Community Church, where the funeral service was held. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Members of the Thousand Oaks Football team pass out a sign that reads, “Lost but Never Forgotten,” which they held up as the procession passed by Thousand Oaks High School. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Flanked by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Melia’s body arrives at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park. Family members process behind the casket. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Lance Corporal Chris Alexander, left, who attended boot camp with Anthony Melia, hugs Melia’s brother Daniel,17, after the ceremony. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
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Melia’s family members, including his mother and sister, are presented flags after the ceremony. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Melia’s mother in an emotional moment. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Jamie Chunko, Melia’s girlfriend, holds the flag she was given during the ceremony. (Anne Cusack / LAT)