November 6, 2009 Fallen Marine from N. Attleboro, Mass. laid to rest Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer, N. Attleboro, Mass.) - It was a somber day in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, as family and friends said goodbye to a Marine helicopter pilot, who died in combat in Afghanistan.

Hundreds came to Saint Mary's Church in North Attleboro Friday to say goodbye to Captain Kyle Van de Giesen, a husband and father to a one year old girl.

Father David Costa:

"We have been blessed to know a young man of values, morals and principles."

Van de Giesen had served several tours of duty with the marines as a helicopter pilot. But last month in Afghanistan his helicopter collided with another in mid-air.

Captain Eric Fleming United State Marine Corps:

"Kyle was most among most capable and fast thinking and precise pilots I have ever known…. Kyle made the marine corps better, he made all of us better."

"And he will raise you up on Eagle's Wings…."

The 29-year-old marine was killed just days before he had planned to come home for the birth of his son. During the service, a friend read a letter written by his father.

Captain Michael Rozzetti Judge Advocate General's Corp (reading father's letter): "The arrival of your newborn son will serve as a constant remind of what has been lost but more importantly what has been gained."

Finally, his flag draped coffin was carried from the church. A procession made its way through downtown. And even more people stood outside to hold flags and signs, wanting

Nancy Campbell Mother of a Marine: "I just can't imagine want the family is going through I can over to pay me condolences let him know we are think about him and thank him for everything he has done."

Carlos Coreas Father of a marine "It touches everybody, deep in their hearts, so it is a tough day."

The procession past his childhood home and then to the High School where students lined the road as his casket passed by Van De Giesen's wife and family waving out the window, on their way to his final place of rest.

Captain Michael Rozzetti Judge Advocate General's Corp (reading father's letter): "You will live within me within us, until my last breath here on earth, you have answered God;s calling your orders are complete, your final mission taken."

Van De Giesen was later buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.