DRACUT, Mass. -- Mathew Boule is being remembered Tuesday as a local kid who made good -- a hero who fought bravely and gave his life for his country.
NewsCenter 5's Lynn Jolicoeur reported that mourners gathered at St. Francis Church in Dracut to honor the 22-year-old soldier. Boule's family moved the funeral to St. Francis because the church is bigger than the family's church.
After a long procession through town, about 450 people packed the sanctuary to pay their respects.
"He was just a really good kid. He was always smiling," family friend Margie Blier said. "He is definitely going to be missed."
Residents, veterans and strangers came to the church to pay tribute to the Army specialist who returned home in a flag-draped casket after his Black Hawk helicopter went down in a firefight on April 2. He was the state's first war casualty.
"He is a brother soldier. I can't explain it. He's one of us," Korean War Veteran Maurice Riendeau said.
"In my legacy of being a veteran, he will never be forgotten," Vietnam War Veteran Jean Pinard said.
Rep. Marty Meehan said that the courage of the Boule family has amazed him. Boule's mother has continued a program to collect supplies for the troops.
Meehan said that everyone can learn from that and especially what Boule gave.
"This is a family and a community that are united," Meehan said. "He had a commitment to his country, and he followed that commitment."
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