Marine Laid To Rest

METHUEN, Mass. -- Hundreds of friends, family and politicians said goodbye Friday in Methuen to Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo.

NewsCenter 5's Janet Wu reported that the 21-year-old Salem, N.H., man was killed earlier this month when his Humvee struck a landmine in Iraq. His homecoming brought many to tears amid the tributes and honor.

He was a team player, a wrestler, and a man who carried with him confidence, laughter and, most importantly, a strong moral compass. Moscillo's faith was a big part of who he was.

Moscillo told his family when he returned that he was planning to study for the ministry, but first, he felt he had a responsibility to his family, his friends and his country.

"A fine young man who did his part so that we could be free," family friend Fran Goldrick said. "And you can't give a better tribute than that."

Moscillo, a 2003 high school graduate, was described as a man who never backed down from a fight. His competitive nature and courage were his strengths.

"He was a son and a brother and a friend to so many," New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said. "To those of us in New Hampshire and the country, he is a real American hero. He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and safeguard our liberties."

Moscillo was a combat engineer who joined the Marines just over one year ago. He was in Iraq less than 10 weeks before he was killed.