The body of a 23-year-old suburban soldier returned to his hometown Wednesday, days after he was killed in an attack on a military base.
Army Specialist Henry Mayfield Jr., of Hazel Crest, was one of three people killed when militants attacked a military base in Kenya on Jan. 4. Two defense department contractors were also killed in the attack, according to Pentagon officials.
Mayfield's family, friends and community gathered Tuesday to honor his life with a dedication day - marking every Jan. 14 from now on as "Henry Mayfield Jr. Day" in Hazel Crest - as well as a yellow ribbon ceremony.
On Wednesday they lined the streets, saluting as Mayfield's body arrived at O'Hare International Airport. A procession traveled from the airport, past his high school and to village hall where a prayer was said. The procession ended at Doty Nash Funeral Home in Chicago.
“They came from all different communities around the area…it was just overwhelming, and it shows people support each other,” said Hazel Crest Village President Vernard Alsberry Jr., also a veteran who served 10 years in the Air Force.
“I think it touches all of us veterans who actually make it home,” he added. “At any time, something can happen to you.”
Dozens of other veterans also attended the memorial Tuesday for Mayfield, grateful for his service.
“We’re lucky because that young man, he gave the ultimate sacrifice," said John Smith, who served in the Korean War. "We made it back home, and he didn’t. I had to be here to see his parents and say thank you from us."
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The pain is still raw for Mayfield’s family. His grandmother Annette Horton clutched the proclamation dedicating Tuesday to her grandson, sharing how grateful she was for the support from the community-- but adding that it will take time to heal.
“I’m hurting real hard about my grandbaby," Horton said. "Little Henry was a beautiful young man. I’m just thankful he was a hero.”
Mayfield’s body was scheduled to return home Wednesday afternoon by military transport.
There will be an escorted procession* from O’Hare International Airport back to Hazel Crest. It will run from Higgins Road West to I-90 East to I-294 South to I-57 South to 167th St. East to Pulaski South (passing Hillcrest High School with students outside) to 175th East to Kedzie South to 183rd West to the Village Hall, officials say.
In addition, a visitation was scheduled from noon until 8 p.m. Friday at Doty Nash Funeral Home. Mayfield’s funeral is Saturday and his final resting place will be at Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood.
