Mount Pleasant and the rest of the country are saying goodbye to an american hero.

On Wednesday, Mount Pleasant native, Captain Richie Cliff Jr. was laid to rest. A special honor guard was there to remember one of their own.

The service marks the third funeral for a Lowcountry solider, in a matter of weeks.

Hundreds of friends and family members gathered to honor the 29-year-old captain. He leaves behind a wife, a newborn and a legacy. A group of patriots says they will never forget.

"An american hero has fallen. That's the message...and we're here," said War Vet Ron White, a member of the Patriot Guard.

The patriot guard stands quietly, but carries a powerful message.

"No matter what. Politics, war, whatever, we support our troops and when and where they are sent," said Richard Turcotte, retired MSGT. of the US Army.

These men and women, retired military and ordinary citizens are all here to pay respect to someone they never even knew. Captain Richie Cliff Jr., their 75th mission, just this year.

"These young americans are putting everything out there and I respect what they did. I feel hurt when they don't come back," said Turcotte.

They ride with heavy hearts.

"I think about the fact that three weeks ago he was watching his new baby son being born and now his son's not going to grow up knowing his father," said Amanda Rutliff, another Patriot Guard member.

They understand the sacrifice.

"It never goes away, but the one thing that makes us feel better is that we're helping them and showing them that we will stand with them and behind our troops," said White.

They promise to never forget.

Cliff Jr. was laid to rest at the Live Oak Memorial off Highway 61. He was a graduate of Wando High School. The Patriot Guard riders attend services all across South Carolina.