LYNN — The community gathered late Tuesday evening to honor one of their own, U.S. Army PFC Research Delva, a 20-year-old fallen soldier who was being brought home to his family.
Delva, who graduated Lynn Classical High School last year, was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., when he died tragically on June 8. The military has not released the cause of death and the family is finalizing funeral arrangements, according to Michael Sweeney, the city’s veterans services director.
About 30 people, including Mayor Thomas M. McGee, City Council President Darren Cyr, Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan, state Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn) and School Committee members Brian Castellanos and Michael Satterwhite, members of Lynn Police and Fire, and residents gathered with American flags as a hearse arrived from Logan Airport to take Delva’s body and his family to Goodrich Funeral Home on Washington Street.
As part of the honorable transfer, the escort was made up of Lynn Police, State Police, the Massachusetts National Honor Guard and the casualty officer. Members of the Lynn Fire Department were waiting at Goodrich Funeral Home to render honors with those who took part in the escort, according to Sweeney.
At Logan, there were others who rendered honors, including members of the MassPort Fire Department.
“It was a powerful moment to see everyone along with so many veterans and members of the community come out on such short notice to honor this young man,” said Sweeney.
Sweeney said it was “heartening” to see so many people come out to honor Delva and show support for the family so late at night. It was about 11 p.m. by the time the hearse drove through.
Hogan, a member of the city’s veterans committee, said the procession was organized earlier in the day, when the city was notified that Delva was coming home. To get the word out, Hogan and others shared the post on Facebook.
Hogan said he didn’t know Delva personally, but learned from everyone he spoke to, including Delva’s peers, teachers and coaches, that he was “an amazing kid.”
“To lose a young (Lynn resident) and being a part of the military, I thought we should definitely welcome him home in a great way,” Hogan said. “It was a very emotional night and very powerful. I’m just happy we could show the family that Lynn stands behind their own.”
