A U.S. Marine from Monmouth County who died along with 15 others in a military plane crash in Mississippi was laid to rest Tuesday in his home state.

Funeral services for Cpl. Dan Baldassare took place at the Colts Neck High School Football field, where he played on the football team while attending high school.

Escorted by dozens of first responders, police and motorcyclists, the 20-year-old’s body arrived back in New Jersey on Monday.

One of the cyclists spoke with News 12 New Jersey about the sadness and honor of taking part is such a ride. 

“I get goosebumps just thinking about the honor that we had to escort him back. It was a moving, just a moving experience for us,” Bob Mason, of the Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club, said.

Mason said that throughout the route, those wanting to thank and honor Baldassare for his service and sacrifice were lined up. He said that made the difficult ride that much more of an honor, seeing firsthand the amount of appreciation New Jersey residents and Americans displayed. 

Baldassare was stationed at the Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York.