Half Mast Half mast at sunrise. Wiscasset Harbormaster David Sutter got up before the sun Tuesday morning, August 22, to fly the American flag at the waterfront at half mast. Governor John Baldacci gave the order in tribute and remembrance to PFC Andrew Small. (Photo Paula Gibbs)

"Thank you, for the time he spent here."

The Rev. Wallace Staples' closing words touched several hundred people who gathered Tuesday afternoon, August 22, to say goodbye to PFC Andrew Small, who died August 11 at the age of 19 in service to his country. He was serving in the U.S. Army, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Nangalam, Afghanistan when he and two other soldiers were killed while on patrol.

The service began with a salute to the flag at the front of the room, where the soldier's body lay in a flag-draped casket.

Governor John Baldacci presented Andrew's parents, Cindy and Terry Small of Wiscasset, with a state of Maine flag, which was flown over the Blaine House at the capital in Augusta.

"His deeds will live in the hearts and minds of the residents of Maine forever," the governor said to the Small family. He presented them with the Gold Star Service Medal.

A 2005 graduate of Wiscasset High School, Andrew Small joined the service the same year, completing boot camp in October. In March of this year he was deployed to Afghanistan, attached to the First Battalion, 32 nd Infantry Regiment, Third Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

In addition to the governor, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, and U.S. Representative Tom Allen attended the 2 p.m. service at the Wiscasset Community Center. The center closed at 10 a.m. so that preparations could be made. Cindy Small works at the center.

With Andrew's parents were his brothers, Matthew, Jonathan, and Joshua; and his grandparents, Richard and Bernadine James and Barbara Small. In addition to family members and friends, many of Andrew's former classmates, principals and teachers attended the service.

Outside the community center, members of the Patriot Guard Riders stood silently in a row, holding American flags as people entered the building. The purpose of the group, most of them motorcycle riders, is to show their respect for those who have died serving their country, and to shield family and friends from protestors who try to interrupt military funerals. They only attend services to which they have been invited by the family.

Signs of solace to the Smalls, and appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice their son made, appeared throughout the town of Wiscasset after news of the young soldier's death became public.

"Thank you for everything," a sign in front of NAPA auto parts store said. At the small, family-owned Huber's Market on Route 1, the words were "Our thoughts are with the Smalls." At the Citgo Clipper Mart, "Thanks to Those Protecting Our Freedom." And in the neighboring town of Woolwich, at the Dairy Queen where Andrew once worked, the sign said, "God Bless the Small family. We'll miss you, Andrew."

In front of the Wiscasset Town Office, the sign said, "PFC Andrew Small we'll miss you." Beneath this, in what now seems to be an unintentional reminder of the freedoms Andrew died for, it said, "Polls open 10 to 8 today." During the service, the Rev. Staples read a poem called "It's the Soldier" which speaks to those freedoms. The poem says:

"It's the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

"It's the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

"It's the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

"It's the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

"And it's the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves the flag, whose coffin is draped in the flag,that allows the protester to burn the flag."

Rev. Staples, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, talked about Andrew's faith. He said Andrew carried with him a version of the Holy Bible called "The Way," given to him by his grandmother. The service, which lasted just over an hour, included many Bible passages and Christian music.

Bill Libby, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, presented Andrew's parents with several awards, including the Afghan Campaign medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.

"His sincere desire to bring peace and stability to a foreign nation will be forever remembered," Libby said.

Following the service at the community center, the group proceeded to Pine Grove Cemetery in Dresden for a graveside service.