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Hundreds line streets for Ind. soldier's funeral

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — Hundreds of people who lined the streets of Terre Haute, Ind., for a Veterans Day parade stood silently as a hearse passed by carrying the coffin of a soldier whose return to the country was marked by a salute from President Barack Obama.

Army Sgt. Dale Griffin of Terre Haute was killed Oct. 27 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Two days later, Obama met Griffin's coffin at Dover Air Force Base.

While the hearse carrying Griffin's flag-draped coffin passed through Terre Haute on Wednesday morning, some onlookers saluted or held their hands over their hearts.

The hearse stopped at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post. There, Griffin's family wiped away tears during a short ceremony that included a prayer and song.

Griffin's public funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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