Honoring 9/11's Fallen [VIDEO]

As Timothy Geary tearfully watched two men ceremoniously raise a black sheet Sunday off his slain son's name, the Derry resident said he took solace in knowing that his son died doing something he loved.

Geary's son, Lance Cpl. Michael Geary, 20, was killed on Dec. 8, 2010, while serving his first tour in Afghanistan.

Timothy Geary said his son had wanted to be in the Marines since he was 14 years old, and Geary said it was moving to honor the fulfillment of that dream on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- even if there was significantly more pain than joy.

"The emotions are still pretty raw," said Geary, choking back tears. "I just miss my son very much. I couldn't be more proud of him."

There were few dry eyes Sunday afternoon as Geary and nearly 500 people gathered outside to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Earlier in the day, area firefighters gathered outside to honor those killed on 9/11 as well as those killed during the subsequent rescue attempts.

The legion's ceremony served a similar purpose, and also featured the unveiling of the addition of  -- including Michael Geary -- and two new stones to its .

The monument stands as a tribute to the 57 New Hampshire servicemen and women who have died in the line of duty since 9/11.

Post 35 Cmdr. Ralph Fatello said the legion never hoped to fill the first stone, although he said local veterans will continue to do everything they can to honor the state’s heroes, even if it means expanding the monument.

“We made a pledge in 2006 to the families of the fallen that we would never forget your loved ones, nor the sacrifice they made or your own personal sacrifice,” said Fatello. “We promised that every Sept. 11, if need be, we would add the new names of the fallen and we would continue to honor their sacrifice and to remember the lives they lived.

"That promise is as solid today as it was [then]. You have our solemn word that we won’t ever forget. Ever.”

Guest speakers during Sunday’s solemn ceremony included Gov. John Lynch, American Legion State Cmdr. Bob Blais, American Legion Executive Committeeman John Neylon, and veteran and State Rep. Fred Rice.

Several family members of the slain Granite State soldiers were also present, and Cmdr. Tom Shultz, the decorated commanding officer of the USS Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer, was the featured speaker.

In addition to reaching out to the many grieving families Sunday, Shultz used the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to stress the importance of honoring the lives of our fallen.

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced,” said Shultz. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.”

Billie Jean Bernier said she was moved by the gestures and speeches made by Shultz and others Sunday because she said it’s “been a terrible two months” since her grandson, Spc. Nicholas Bernier, 21, of East Kingston, was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Nicholas Bernier’s name was one of the eight unveiled Sunday, and Billie Jean Bernier said it was uplifting to see so many people honor his memory -- even if she said her grandson likely wouldn’t have wanted “all the fuss.”

“He was a very quiet gentleman,” said Bernier. “My grandson was a helper. He wanted to go into the medical field because he wanted to help people.”

Linda Smith, whose husband, Staff Sgt. Donald Smith, of North Hampton, died in 2006 as a result of injuries sustained in Iraq in 2004, also said her husband likely would’ve shied away from a grand remembrance gesture, although she said having friends, family and a strong veteran support system has helped her through five difficult years.

“The post has been a godsend,” said Smith, whose husband was one of the first to be memorialized on the legion’s monument. “I don’t think I could’ve gone on without them. This was quite an honor for us, and they’re still here today five years later helping us.”

Smith said the pain from a loss like hers, that of the families of the other 56 slain Granite Staters, or of the families of the thousands killed on 9/11 “doesn’t get any easier,” although she said “it does get better” and encouraged anyone to seek out help from veteran organizations and others waiting to help them with open arms.

Geary agreed, as he said simply seeing the large support Sunday greatly helped him.

“This means very much to me,” said Geary tearfully.