(MILLS RIVER) -- A soldier was honored in Western North Carolina town of Mills River without any interruption. Services were held for pilot Terry Varnadore II Monday afternoon at Mills River United Methodist Church. Protesters from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas were expected to show up at the service, but there was no sign of them.

Marcia Ballard was one of many who came out to honor Varnadore. "They have every right to speak their peace and we support that.  We want to make sure that we are here to support the family," said Ballard.
 
Varnadore was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan on April 23.

(Thanks to: WWNC)