By Sherry Butt Dunham
Contributing Writer

A U.S. Army Honor Guard presents Michele Dougherty, 23, of Weare, Sgt. Russell Durgin’s fiancée, with an American flag during a graveside ceremony in Henniker on Saturday, June 24. (Sherry Butt Dunham/Courtesy Photo)

Hundreds of people lined Main Street in Henniker Saturday, June 24, to honor Army Sgt. Russell Durgin, a 23-year-old soldier killed in Afghanistan on June 13.

Durgin was a 2001 graduate of John Stark Regional High School in Weare. He is the fifth New Hampshire serviceman killed in the last six weeks.

Flanked by flags and patriotic banners, a military motorcycle club lined the entrance to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Inside, more than 400 mourners attended funeral services for a fallen solder and a native son.

In her remarks to mourners, Jean Durgin remembered her son and the joy he brought throughout his life.

“I ask you to help me and help us all remember who Russell was and not to let his memory fade away and become just another dead soldier. Russell came into this world with a smile on his face and I thanked God for that smile,” said Durgin.

Reading from a poem written by Paulette Laramie, Durgin paid homage to her son’s memory.

“In his short life, he brought much laugher that will always be remembered long after. Russell has fought the fight, he’s now in a place of peace and beauty with a beautiful light. Rest with the angels now, sergeant, and visit those who have passed before you. Hail Mary, full of grace, farewell to the boy with a smile on his face,” she recited.

A high school friend spoke about Durgin’s mischievous streak, and pranks he and his buddies pulled while attending John Stark Regional High School. He recalled the time he and Durgin stole pumpkins. With levity, he told mourners they had not smashed the pumpkins as most would assume, but they took them home, carved them and brought them back.

“Some things are better left unsaid today, so, Jean, someday we’ll tell you all about your son,” the friend said.

Gov. John Lynch and Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry attended the funeral service for Sgt. Durgin. In his comments to mourners, Lynch said he wished he’d had an opportunity to have met Russell Durgin so that he could have thanked him for his service to his country.

“Russell believed in something bigger than himself. Russell gave his life protecting the lives of others. Russell will always have a special place in New Hampshire. We can never repay the debt we owe Russell for giving his life for our country,” said Lynch.

Representatives from the U.S. Army posthumously awarded three medals in Sgt. Durgin’s name to the Durgin family. For serving with honor and distinction as an Army sniper, Sgt. Durgin was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor. The Durgin family wept softly during the presentation.

At graveside, the Army Honor Guard presented Mr. and Mrs. Durgin and Michele Dougherty, Durgin’s fiancée, with an American flag. Following a 21-gun salute, a lone bagpiper, Sgt. James Carney of the Weare Police Department, played “Amazing Grace.”

Durgin died in Korengel, Afghanistan, when his unit took small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.