Family and friends came out to remember a fallen Berkshire County soldier. Army Pfc. Michael DeMarsico was killed in Afghanistan a month ago by an IED. YNN's Beth Croughan is in North Adams where he was buried on Saturday.

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- "I asked the DeMarsico family to describe their son and brother using one word at a time. And they shared with me the word selfless. And sarcastic. Leader. And kind. Appreciative. Playful. Was a stud."

The words family members used to describe Pfc. Michael DeMarsico could be heard from speakers outside the First Baptist Church in North Adams. It was along Main Street where community members gathered to show their support as friends and family honored the life Pfc. Michael DeMarsico inside.

"There's no getting over the fact that he is gone and all we can do now is you know, stand up for what he was fighting for and support that he did that, and thank him for all of his services," said former classmate Matt Baumbach, who was holding a large American flag across the street.

The 20-year old North Adams native was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 16. Saturday, hundreds created a sea of red, white and blue.

"I stand for those who stood for us," said Cheryl Ruskiewicz, who stood with other members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

"The blue stands for Drury High School where Michael, from where he graduated," said Joseph Perry Jr. of North Adams.

They were there to say thank you. "Thanks for what you did Mike," said friend Ryan Donovan.

Thank you to the soldier who gave his life. "He's protecting the freedom of all of us," said Ethan Harmon, 19.

And thank you to the family who was forced to say goodbye. "We're here for them, we love them, we'll always be here," said Perry.

Governor Deval Patrick and Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry were among the hundreds, possibly thousands, that came out to pay their respects to Army Pfc. Michael DiMarsico.

The words that family members provided to Pastor David Anderson at the First Baptist Church could be heard along Main Street. That is where community members gathered to show their support as friends and family honored the life of DeMarsico inside the church.

"There is no getting over the fact that he is gone, and all we can do now is stand up for what he was fighting for, and support that he did that, and thank him for all his services," said a community member.

The North Adams native was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 16. On Saturday, hundreds created a sea of red, white, and blue to say thank you to the soldier who gave his life, and the family that is forced to say goodbye.

DeMarsico is buried with full military honors in Southview Cemetery in North Adams. He is the recipient of several medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.