FALLS CITY - As the final few notes of taps wafted through Holy Trinity Cemetery, the wind picked up. The 100 U.S. flags surrounding the final resting place of Sgt. Mitchel Mutz flapped loudly in the breeze in a final salute to Falls City’s fallen soldier.

Mutz, 23, was killed in Iraq on Nov. 15.

On Saturday, Holy Trinity Church in Falls City overflowed with those who came to pay their final respects to Mutz. Many in the town of 591 filled the pews, many more stood outside listening to the service on loudspeakers. Dozens of law enforcement officers - from state, local and neighboring county and city agencies - were also out in force to honor Mutz, the son of former Karnes County Sheriff Bobby Mutz. Also in attendance and bearing 100 flags lining the entrance to the church, and later the entrance to the cemetery, were motorcyclists of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Pony Express riders will gallop from Goliad Texas through 25 cities and towns to carry the traditional holiday greetings from Texas Governor Rick Perry on December 2.

The 18th Annual Christmas Along the Corridor Pony Express Run is a celebration of American history, heritage, and the holidays, hosted by AACOG, the U.S. Postal Service, and Fort Sam Houston.  More than 120 Pony Express Christmas Couriers travel over 120 miles carrying proclamations to communities in seven counties along the historic Alamo-La Bahia Corridor and other segments of the 300-year-old Camino Real de Los Tejas.  These couriers deliver a special holiday greeting from the Governor of Texas to San Antonio.  This is a patriotic and unique event, spotlighting the historical and cultural significance of the Alamo region.

In Karnes County, riders will visit eight locations: