Abington Adds Marine Killed In Afghanistan To War Memorial
ABINGTON (CBS) - Abington honored fallen Marine Sergeant Daniel Vasselian Monday, adding his name to the town's War Memorial.
Vasselian was killed December 23 in Helmand Province while serving his third tour in Afghanistan.
"Semper Fi was a way of life for Sgt. Vasselian," said Rev. Kristy Coburn. "He was a faithful son, brother, husband, friend, patriot and Marine."
The wall has been a fixture in Abington since the early 1970's, posting the names of Abington residents lost in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
Vasselian was the first Abington resident to die in combat since Vietnam.
"The sign is not a reminder of great loss, but a reminder that we thank Dan and his family," said Abington Selectmen Ken Coyle. "They have made the ultimate sacrifice and it is not forgotten by us."
He was a dedicated Marine, but Vasselian made his mark in town as a kid who could make anyone laugh.
"He made any situation better by just telling a joke. Everyone said that when they were over there too in Afghanistan. The situations aren't great over there, but he made everyone laugh and made them at least forget for a couple minutes where they were," his sister Jeannine Vasselian told WBZ-TV.
"It's bittersweet, it really is," Vasselian's aunt, Anne Solomon, said.
"We miss him. But, it's what he loved to do and he did it for all of us and we're proud of him, very proud of him."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports
Abington Adds Marine To War Memorial
With his name now on the wall, Memorial Day has a heart-wrenching meaning for his family.
"He set out to do something different in his short life. He did more in his life than I'll ever see. Danny always set a different tone to everything. Danny really wanted to do something more than what was out there," his father Joe told WBZ.
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