There was a powerful silence as the body of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant arrived back home to New Hampshire.
The young Marine was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
His flag-draped coffin was carefully removed from the small plane by fellow Marines with his family there to receive him, his body driven 37 miles to his hometown of Peterborough with lots of support along the way.
"Just to be there, so the family knows that we have their back," said Patriot Guard John Irish.
Russ Currier, who lost his son, was there four years ago for the very same reason. Saturday, he was back.
"It's very somber," said Currier. "Last time I was here, it was my son who came home. It just really touches home."
There were American flags, and people lined the streets.
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"I'm just here because I needed to come," said Kathy Norton of Peterborough.
Garabrant was a well-loved, well-respected member of this small community. He served as a volunteer firefighter with Mary Kate Kelly.
"He was just always giving of himself," said Kelly. "He had a short life. I wish it was longer - we all do - but it was full."
Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, with a funeral set for next Saturday at ConVal High School.
