BOSTON — The family of Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo broke down in tears as they greeted her casket for the first time at Boston Logan Airport Saturday.
The U.S. Marine from Lawrence was one of 13 U.S. Service Members killed in the airport bombing in Afghanistan a couple weeks ago.
“As much as we try to console the family and prepare them mentally, their visual of this day they won’t forget,” said Francisco Urena, former Secretary of Veterans Services for Massachusetts.
A somber procession transported Sgt. Rosario’s casket from Boston to her hometown of Lawrence with thousands of people showing support for her and her family along the way.
“It’s so vital just to show support for our country and for her, she made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Marybeth Chosse, who came to Lawrence from Groton.
Hundreds lined the street in Lawrence outside the funeral home as Rosario’s body was brought back home for the last time.
Many didn’t know the Marine but felt the need to pay their respects.
“Just to bring the kids out and let them be a part of history and show them what it’s all about especially today on 9/11,” said Maria Oganeo from Worcester.
“To me it’s a critical moment for our country to understand and to recognize all that have fallen and been injured for the past 20 years,” said Kelly LeBlanc from Dracut.
It was especially important for many to come out to support this fallen Marine on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
“You have to understand that Johanny was five, a kindergartener 20 years ago, she had lived in a country at war, she volunteered to serve our country and volunteered to be in that mission,” said Urena.
During that mission, Rosario helped evacuate thousands of women and children from Afghanistan before she was killed by a suicide bomber.
“Lawrence is proud of the work she did, and we will never forget her name,” said Kendrys Vasquez, mayor of Lawrence.
A public wake to honor the fallen Marine is schedule for Tuesday Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Lawrence.
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