NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Thousands gathered in North Adams to say goodbye to one of their own, Army PFC Michael DeMarisco. The 20-year-old was on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, scheduled to return in four months, when he was killed by an IED on August 16.
Hundreds lined the procession route as a horse drawn carriage carried the casket containing DeMarisco's body to the First Baptist Church on Main Street.
Governor Deval Patrick and U.S. Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry were among the mourners.
DeMarisco joined the Army soon after graduating Drury High School. His family said it was his lifelong dream to service his country.
DeMarisco recently took a promotion that made him the point person in his unit, leading the battalion on late night mission and in charge of spotting IED's. His fellow servicemen said he did it bravely, identifying 15 IED's, 2 on the nigtht of his death.
The Westboro Baptist Church had said they would picket nearby the funeral but never showed up.
DeMarisco was buried at the Southview Cemetery in North Adams.
He leaves behind his parents and four siblings.
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