May they RIP, deepest condolences to their families, for they made the ultimate sacrifice for this country's freedom.


Sgt Sean Durkin, 24.
Fallen Soldier Laid To Rest

Joscelyn Moes | Reporter
Posted: 4:11 pm EDT April 29, 2010Updated: 7:39 pm EDT April 29, 2010
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EASTON, Pa. -- It was a hero's farewell for a young man who many said was destined to become a soldier.
Army Sergeant Sean Durkin got his fatal wounds on the battlefield, far away in Afghanistan...
Today, he was laid to rest in his native Lehigh Valley and hundreds turned out to see him home.
Family, friends, and even complete strangers came together to honor Sergeant Durkin.
RAW VIDEO: Funeral Services For Sgt. Sean Durkin SLIDESHOW: Hero Farewell For Fallen Soldier
He is one of those American heroes that gave everything so that those he loved and his fellow Americans could continue to live free, said Brigadier General Tom Cole.
Hundreds of people filled the Phillipsburg Alliance Church to pay their respects to the fallen hero.
Sergeant Durkin was injured in Afghanistan on March 27 when an IED exploded near his vehicle.
The Easton native died earlier this month at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
When we went to go see him in D.C., I was so proud of him, said Jaiden Phelps. I never realized what a hero and what a strong man he was.
Family and friends said Durkin had a passion for cars and military history.
Fellow soldiers reflected on his sense of humor and leadership skills.
Sergeant Durkin always placed his comrades' safety above his own, said Staff Sergeant Nicholas Turner. Sergeant Durkin is and always will be greatly missed.
Durkin grew up in the Lehigh Valley and later moved to Colorado.
He joined the Army in 2006 and previously served a tour of duty in Iraq.
We're here for the families of those who've given so much for us, for our freedoms, said Ed Morgan.
People lined the streets, waving flags, as the procession passed by.
Durkin was laid to rest at Hays Cemetery in Easton.
The man who friends and family said was destined to become a soldier died at the age of 24.

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