Memorial services begin for Sgt. Ecker

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - Memorial services begin today for a local hero who was killed in a car accident one week ago.

Twenty-three year-old Army Sgt. Mark Ecker of East Longmeadow died after the car he was riding on Route 93 in Andover rolled over. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the hospital.

Ecker cheated death during his second tour in Iraq in 2007 after an improvised explosive device went off as he patrolled the streets of Ramadi. He lost both his legs, but he never lost his hope.

He was honored in numerous parades and ceremonies across the country and was the recipient of the Purple Heart.

This weekend, he will be honored again.

On Friday, there will be a public viewing from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the East Longmeadow High School auditorium.

On Saturday, a memorial service will be held here at the East Longmeadow High School football stadium at 11:00 a.m. Following the service there will be a public celebration of his life at 12:30. There will be music, food and open forum for people to talk about Mark.

On Monday, Ecker will be laid to rest at the Veterans' Cemetery in Agawam at 11:00 a.m.