EMMETT, Idaho — Thursday, Idaho welcomes home, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Emmett Marine killed in helicopter crash.
I'm your neighborhood reporter, Allie Triepke here in Emmett where Capt. Benjamin Moulton had his final homecoming. A ceremony to honor him and his family is taking place at City Park.
“The flags, the balloons, the condolences, it’s incredible and it brings you to tears,” said Kristin Forrey.
Hundreds of people, including dozens of veterans, paid their respects to Marine Capt. Benjamin Moulton as his body returned to Idaho.
“We all loved Ben. I told his mom when he was a little boy, ‘he’s going to grow up to be an exceptional human being!’ and I was right,” said family friend, Tracy.
Capt. Moulton was killed in a helicopter accident during a training exercise with 4 other Marines, on February 6th.
I spoke with quite a few locals who said they were heartbroken when they heard the news.
“I’m struggling a little with it, you know I’m going to probably come to a tear before this is over with myself,” said Steve Rogers.
“It’s tragic and it’s tragic that it happened in such a way that it happened, and the community is coming together to celebrate a hero,” said Forrey.
Those lining the streets in Red, White, and Blue… telling me that the mood today is somber yet proud for his final homecoming.
“Ben was a good kid here, an active kid in the community, and I just want to support him and his family,” said Scott McGann.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Mayor held the ceremony at City Park to honor Capt. Moulton and his family. Balloons were released in his honor.
The Funeral for Capt. Moulton, will be on Sunday, March 3rd in the Jordan Ballroom at BSU at 1 pm, following that a Celebration of Life will be held in Emmett at 5:30 pm that Sunday. Reporting from Emmett I’m your neighborhood reporter, Allie Triepke, for Idaho News 6.
Related: Emmett man among the Marines killed in a California helicopter crash
In a Facebook post, the Emmett School District wrote, "Ben was one of our own. He grew up in Emmett and graduated from Emmett High School in 2015." The post continues, "Let's show our respect and gratitude by welcoming him back to Emmett one last time."
