LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - The Lawrence community came together Wednesday evening to honor one of their own killed in Afghanistan last week.
Hundreds of mourners packed a stadium at Lawrence High School to remember Marine Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo who was one of 12 service members, along with 169 Afghans, who were killed by a suicide bomber at Kabul Airport on Thursday.
Her family sat alongside state and city leaders who gathered to remember the 25-year-old and the sacrifices she made to help others flee during the chaotic evacuation.
In his speech, Governor Charlie Baker said the Commonwealth is indebted to her.
“She helped over 30,000 people reach safety before she was killed by a suicide bomber,” Baker said.
A number of other veterans and local service members attended in support of a woman they call “sister.”
“I just wanted to show support to my sister and somebody who I felt like I had a lot in common with — another leader, another warrior,” one man said. “Someone who is gone too soon.”
The candlelight vigil united those who knew Rosario Pichardo, those who did not and those who were simply inspired by her heroism.
“There’s an old saying those who burn brightest burn out first. We see the sunrise and the sunset and that full moon shine on this city and this Commonwealth. I hope you all take a moment and remember one of our brightest stars Johanny Rosario Pichardo. God bless and Semper-Fi,” he said to those assembled.
The family has set up a GoFundMe in her memory and are still working to finalize the details of her funeral arrangements.
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