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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)

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For a decade, Laura Froehlich, known as “Flag Mama,” was at March Reserve Air Base whenever troops were departing for Iraq or Afghanistan or returning from those war zones. In her red, white and blue outfits, she dispensed hugs and good cheer. Her goal was to make sure the troops never felt the public indifference shown to Vietnam veterans like her father, a career soldier. See story

"Flag Mama"

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)

"Flag Mama"

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

"Flag Mama"

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)

"Flag Mama"

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

"Flag Mama"

“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)

"Flag Mama"

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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