Richardson given hero's welcome

Humboldt School students pay respects as hearse carrying the body of Sgt. Joseph Richardson travels through Humboldt, Friday, Nov. 30. Richardson was killed in fighting in Afghanistan on Nov. 16. Humboldt Independent photo.

More than 900 flags lined Highway 169 (13th Street) on both sides of the road from the south city limits to the north city limits last Friday, Nov. 30, to honor Sgt. Joseph A. Richardson, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Nov. 16. Larry “The Flag Man” Eckhardt, of Little York, IL, came to Humboldt City Hall last Thursday afternoon, and asked if the city wanted flags. Volunteers spent the early hours of Friday morning installing the flags. A large contingent of volunteers helped remove the flags Saturday afternoon, following funeral services at St. Ceceila's Catholic Church in Algona and burial at Indian Mound Cemetery south of Humboldt. For a photo collage of the event, see this week's Humboldt Independent print or online versions.