Family, friends, teachers, members of the military and the young men who played baseball with Tyler Troyer bunched together in the cold at 7:30 this morning at the West Albany High School flag pole to honor the lance corporal who died Saturday in Iraq.

Troyer, a 2002 graduate, enjoyed his years at the school so much that those who knew him wanted to hold one last event for him at his alma mater.

Athletic Director Rich Sipe opened the observance by reading Gov. Kulongoski's proclamation that ordered flags at all public buildings to be flown at half-staff today to honor Troyer, who was serving with G Co., 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines when he was killed while on patrol.

Troyer's brother, Michael, 14, a freshman at West Albany, lowered the pole's halyard so he and Troyer's baseball coach, Don Lien, could place the American and state flags on the line. A military voice called, "Present Arms" and representatives from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air National Guard, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars snapped a salute while others placed their hands over their hearts.

When the flag was returned to half-staff, band Director Stuart Welsh sounded "Taps."

"Let it be known that this school, this community and the friends and family of Lance Corporal Tyler Troyer recognize that he has made the ultimate sacrifice for his country," Sipe said. "It is our sincere hope that his memory and sense of duty serve as an inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps."

Attending this morning was Jamie Helsing, an Albany mother who came to offer a "small measure of comfort to the family."

She particularly felt for the family, she said, because her son, William, is considering enlisting in the military.

Superintendent Pat Bedore said the ceremony gave everyone a chance to "honor one of our own," and Max White, Troyer's math teacher at West, wanted to pay respects to a "tremendous and terrific kid." He also wanted to honor another "comrade in arms." White serves in the National Guard.

Standing on the periphery of the group was Marine Chief Warrant Officer Allen Darbonne, who is stationed in Portland. It was his duty to inform the family of Tyler's death. He came today to support the family as well as Troyer's school.

Darbonne said he contacts Troyer's family daily to help in any way he can. He also visits the family regularly.

Brent Hanslovan, now attending Linn-Benton Community College, spoke for seven other members of Troyer's baseball team, who chatted in a circle following the ceremony.

"He was a leader on the field, and when he was asked to do something, he always did it," he said.

The family moved into the school's foyer after receiving hugs and condolences outside.

Troyer's father, Dave of Sherwood, recalled his son as "happy, energetic, someone who never wanted to sit around."

His brother, Jeremiah, 24, remembered Tyler as a "very decent, respectable person."

Dave Troyer then presented his daughter Brittany and Tyler's fiancée, Megan Oswald, with bears dressed in military fatigues. The bears wore medals around their necks that read "#1."

The bears were from the Build A Bear Co., which provided the uniforms for the bears at no cost.

Another sister, McKenna, 8, got her bear earlier.

Troyer's body is expected to arrive at Portland International Airport on Friday. His mother, Terri Thorpe, said she will be on hand.

She said Troyer's military funeral will be at noon next Wednesday at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road N.E. The public is invited.

Troyer's uncle, Fred Felde, who is serving in Iraq, will make it home in time for the funeral, Thorpe said.

"I have to thank the governor for helping get him home for this," she said.