Staff Sgt. John Beale of McDonough, who died in Afghanistan and was returned to his home soil this afternoon, got a hero's welcome from Fayette residents Thursday afternoon.

Hundreds of people, many waving American flags, lined the route. Sgt. Beale was escorted from Falcon Field in Peachtree City where his jet landed and through downtown Fayetteville on the way to McDonough.

Close friends and family welcomed Beale home in a ceremony on the apron at Falcon Field. Joining them were a host of law enforcement officers, local veterans and the Patriot Guard motorcycle escort crew.

Men, women and children, including many veterans, lined the procession route at different areas. Hands over their hearts or in salute, they paid tribute to an area man who died protecting our country.