Boyne City's US Army Private Jack Diener is remembered by family, friends, and fellow warriors at ceremony of life
BOYNE CITY, MI -- A community gathered Saturday to say goodbye to a hometown hero.
US Army Private Jack Diener, a 20 year-old soldier from Boyne City died on November 21st in Afghanistan.
Saturday morning, hundreds attended a special ceremony to celebrate his life and the service he gave our country.
Inside the walls that US Army Private Jack Diener attended just a short three years ago, a somber and sad mood, yet full of American pride, as family, friends, and those thankful for freedom said goodbye.
The Patriot Guard lined the sidewalks of Boyne City High School, a giant American Flag hung from a fire ladder truck, and a feel of appreciation set in as family was ushered into the school auditorium.
Several broke down to tears as they shared their best memories of 20-year-old Private Diener.
“It's not a mourning, but rather a day to honor the life of a son, a brother, a best friend to many, a warrior, who died doing something he believed in and loved. Private First Class Jack Diener, and his family, will forever be a part of the US Army and the 10th Mountain Division family. I assure you, he will never be forgotten," said one soldier at the ceremony.
A true American hero -- Private Jack Diener, the second.
