The flags on city of Auburn property will fly at half staff the rest of the week for a local Marine who was recently killed in Afghanistan.

Mayor Michael Quill released this announcement Tuesday, stating that the decision was made in honor of Sgt. Jerome C. Bell Jr., 29, a Throop native who died Sept. 19 while supporting combat operations in the Farah Province.

The city flags will fly in this manner until after Bell's funeral, which is scheduled to take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

“As a community, we can support the Bell family at this time by honoring the courage, service and sacrifice of Sgt. Bell,” stated Quill, who added that he encourages other local residents and businesses to do the same.

Bell will receive full military honors from the U.S. Marine Corps in St. Joseph Cemetery. A mass of Christian burial will take place 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Auburn.

Calling hours for Bell will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark Street Road.