COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — Hundreds of students lined the street leading into Comstock Park High School on Friday to remember Marine Captain Miguel Nava.
Miguel was a Comstock Park graduate. He died in February with four other marines when their helicopter crashed in California.
The procession leading into the school was part of the Freedom Cruise carrying families who had lost a loved one who died in service of their country.
Miguel's brother, Nikolas Nava, said he was grateful for the experience.
"I love my brother, he was the best person that I knew, so it feels nice to have everyone here and acknowledge him," said Nikolas. "So yeah, it's a nice day."
Students, families and veterans later joined the Nava family for a special ceremony in the school's auditorium.
"It's a healing process, that pain never goes away, but I'm so thankful you allow us to do this because I know sometimes it's like ripping off a scab," said Tom Antor, chairman of Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund.
This is the 10th annual Freedom Cruise.
Each cruise honors West Michigan servicemen who lost their lives while serving. Loved ones receive a handmade portrait of the person they lost.
On Friday, the Nava family received their portrait of Miguel.
"They said it in there, it's kind of like ripping up an old scab, so that part is not the best, not the easiest," Nikolas said. "But when you see people around showing the love to my family, and everybody here gathering around for Miguel, it helps and it's nice to see."