Twenty-four-year-old Mark Mayo is known as a hero.
Before his family lays him to rest, on Thursday they lit candles and paid tribute to not only what he did in Hampton Roads, but what he meant to folks in his hometown of Hagerstown, Maryland.
Last month he's risked his life for a fellow sailor.
He was shot to death while protecting her from a civilian shooter at Naval Station Norfolk.
His mother, Sharon Blair, told us that her youngest son lived and died a protector.
"I never knew I was raising a hero," she said.
She says Mark honored and lived by the Sailor's Creed.
"I believe that he knew going in that there was no time to hesitate," she says.
Related:
White House petition asks for Mark Mayo to receive Medal of Honor
Condolences for Navy MA Mark Mayo
