(WSBT) The sacrifice of war hit home for a Michiana community Wednesday, as they remembered one of their own who died serving our country.

Sgt. Nick Patterson died in Iraq last week when his vehicle crashed.

He graduated from Rochester High School in 2001. Wednesday those who knew him, and those who didn't, lined the streets to honor him.

It was not only a day for mourners inside Rochester High School to say goodbye, but for an entire community mourning the loss of one of their own.

All around Rochester there are signs the death of Nick Patterson has touched lives.

“We need to be aware of what is being sacrificed for each one of us,” Penny Ramsey told WSBT News. “And I think this really brings it home.”

Ramsey joined the many people that lined Rochester streets to watch Patterson's procession go by while holding a flag, giving a salute, wearing a look of angst.

“I've got some friends and family that knew him, and anybody that comes from home, it's sad when you see a community like this lose somebody,” said Beth Bickle, who watched the procession.

Later mourners filed into Rochester High School. Where people once cheered for Patterson on the basketball court, they now shared in a family's grief.

Jim and Sherry Durham are friends of Patterson's mother.

“She's a Christian, she’s a good woman,” said Jim Durham. “I wished I could have half her pain so she wouldn't have to bear it.”

A pain filled with the knowledge that her favorite son will no longer be a loving husband or a proud father. Instead his name is added to those who died while defending our freedom.

“We worry about all of them but we're proud of what they're doing,” Jim explained. “They’re fighting for what they believe in, and we support them.”

Schools in Rochester closed early the past two days to accommodate the visitation and funeral.

Nick Patterson was buried at a private service in Akron, his wife's hometown.