PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia residents line Broadway in memory of Spc. Sterling Wyatt

July 21, 2012 | 5:59 p.m. CDT

Supporters formed "a sea of red" to honor the memory of Spc. Sterling Wyatt during his funeral at First Baptist Church of Columbia and procession along Broadway on Saturday.

Bystanders walk by as the Patriot Guard holds flags for the funeral of Sterling Wyatt on Saturday morning in front of First Baptist Church of Columbia. Members of the Patriot Guard brought about 400 flags to show their support.
| Robert Swain

Kelly Davis writes a message on a banner Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of Columbia. The banner will later be given to the family of Spc. Sterling William Wyatt. | Robert Swain

Amy Vandergriff-Belcher poses Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of Columbia. Vandergriff-Belcher wrote all the names of people who messaged her on Facebook and said they could not be there to support Sterling Wyatt's family. It took Vandergriff-Belcher six hours to have the names written on her. | Robert Swain

Chandler Wyatt, left, brother of Spc. Sterling Wyatt, and Sherry Wyatt, mother of Sterling Wyatt, greet and thank people Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
| Robert Swain

Sherry Wyatt, center, mother of Sterling Wyatt, and Chandler Wyatt, brother of Sterling Wyatt, greet supporters of Wyatt's on Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of Columbia. | Robert Swain

Lisa Plakorus, left, and Sherry Wyatt hug just before Spc. Sterling Wyatt’s funeral Saturday morning at First Baptist Church of Columbia. Plakorus has known Sterling since he was a boy. “I came today because he is a hero,” Plakorus said.
| Robert Swain

The Patriot Guard prepares to start the funeral procession of Spc. Sterling Wyatt on Saturday afternoon outside First Baptist Church of Columbia on Broadway. | Robert Swain

Pallbearers carry the casket of Spc. Sterling Wyatt on Saturday afternoon at First Baptist Church of Columbia. | Robert Swain

Bystanders pay their respects as pallbearers place the casket of Spc. Sterling Wyatt into a hearse Saturday afternoon at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
| Robert Swain

Community members wait for Sterling Wyatt's funeral precession to start Saturday afternoon on Broadway. Numerous people surrounded the First Baptist Church of Columbia, with many more lining Broadway. | Robert Swain