MARBLEHEAD, Mass. -- Hundreds of mourners turned out in Marblehead Monday to honor a fallen soldier who died in Afghanistan.

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Jack Harper Reports On Funeral

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper reported that Staff Sgt. Christopher Piper died of injuries he received when a bomb exploded near his convoy in Afghanistan.

"He was a beautiful young man who represented everything that America should be," said one mourner.

Honoring one of their own, hundreds of Marblehead residents hardly noticed four outsiders who used the funeral to protest gay rights in the United States.

"This is America and people like my brother fought and died to make sure that the inalienable rights of free speech are there for everybody," said Piper's brother, Ernest.

Piper, who was serving in his second tour in Afghanistan, was buried in Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead.

"The outpouring of support and affection for Chris is really gratifying. We're proud that he's here," said Ernest Piper.

Piper is survived by his wife, Consuela, and two children, Deirdre and Christopher.