Marines write condolence messages on a photo of Laura Froehlich at Riverside National Cemetery.
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Memorial service for “Flag Mama”

Marines write condolence messages on a photo of Laura Froehlich at Riverside National Cemetery.

Marines write condolence messages on a photo of Laura Froehlich at Riverside National Cemetery. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The honor guard from March Air Reserve Base drapes the flag over the remains of Laura Froehlich. It's estimated she met about 4,000 flights.

The honor guard from March Air Reserve Base drapes the flag over the remains of Laura Froehlich. It’s estimated she met about 4,000 flights.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Servicemen carry the remains of Laura Froehlich at the memorial service. Froehlich was an Air Force veteran.

Servicemen carry the remains of Laura Froehlich at the memorial service. Froehlich was an Air Force veteran. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The honor guard leads the procession during the memorial service for Laura Froehlich. She organized an area at the March base called Hangar 385, where troops could relax, watch TV and have snacks.

The honor guard leads the procession during the memorial service for Laura Froehlich. She organized an area at the March base called Hangar 385, where troops could relax, watch TV and have snacks. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

More than 2,000 members of the military, family and friends gathered at Riverside National Cemetery.

More than 2,000 members of the military, family and friends gathered at Riverside National Cemetery. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

"Simply put, all the Marines loved Laura," Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, told the gathering at the cemetery's amphitheater. "Laura was the last smiling face that many saw as they boarded a plane headed for the unknown."

“Simply put, all the Marines loved Laura,” Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, told the gathering at the cemetery’s amphitheater. “Laura was the last smiling face that many saw as they boarded a plane headed for the unknown.”  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Laurice Souron clutches a flag presented to her by the honor guard at the memorial service for her mother, Laura Froehlich.

Laurice Souron clutches a flag presented to her by the honor guard at the memorial service for her mother, Laura Froehlich.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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