Funeral Held For Sudbury Soldier

SUDBURY (CBS) -- "The words honor and duty and sacrifice are familiar words to all of us but to Scott it was just a way of life," said Steven Milley, while speaking at his son's funeral.

Lt. Scott Milley was killed in Afghanistan in his first month of service on Nov. 30. Lt. Milley is the first soldier from Sudbury killed in action since the Vietnam War.

The 23-year old was laid to rest on Saturday in Sudbury, where hundreds of supporters gathered in mourning.

The ceremony at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High school commemorated the 2005 grad with solemn songs and heartfelt stories.

"Scott lived his life without worry. I'm not talking reckless. He just lived everyday as if he didn't have a care in the world," said his father Steven. "Can you even imagine a life like that?"

WBZ-TV's Alana Gomez reports.

Friends and family spoke repeatedly of his love for life, his achievements academically and on the ice rink, his character and compassion.

"I've always made a point to tell my brother how proud I am of him," said his brother Steven Milley Jr. "But what I never told him is how everyday I wished I was more like him."

"I thought it would be many years before the possibility of ever being up here would arise," continued Milley Jr. "I would've exchanged my life for his in an instant, but I know my life does not deserve his glory."

During the ceremony Milley's family was presented with his purple heart and bronze star.

"The one and only thing that give Janice and I comfort is this," said his father Steven Milley,"that Scott knows Jesus and Jesus knows Scott. That's it."

Milley's father broke down in tears as he thanked the community for its endless support.

"The kindness and the hard work by everyone is a debt I can never repay," said Steven Milley.

Milley ended his tribute with one last tearful sentence to his son.

"To my beloved son. Your mother and your father are so proud of you, and we love you so much."