FREDERICK, Md. -
A Maryland soldier who died in the line of duty is back home.
Hundreds holding flags lined the streets of Frederick to welcome home 24-year-old Army Sgt. David Williams. He was killed while serving in the Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan on August 18. The cause of the death was under investigation.
The 2006 graduate of Urbana High School entered the U.S. Army in August 2008 and was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
He deployed to Afghanistan in April. It was his very first deployment.
Debbie Williams, who didn't know Sgt. Williams, organized the flag ceremony. She also runs the Patty Pollatus Fund and says the show of support is important.
"We just want to show the family we love them for the ultimate sacrifice that they gave," she says.
"No greater love than he who lays down his life for his friend. It's scripture and he lay down his life for us and we thank him for being our friend," she adds.
Those who knew Sgt. Williams describe him as a hardworking and friendly young man. They say it was his dream to serve in the military the way his father, Retired Colonel David Williams, did. His dream was cut short.
"He was serving everybody. Whether you're for or against, he was out there serving all of us," Frederick County resident Sherry Stull says.
On Monday afternoon, hundreds holding flags,braved a blistering sun to create a corridor of flags to welcome home Sgt. Williams.
"I think it's very important for us to show up and show our patriotism and our dedication to the fallen soldiers and to the military," says Fred Burton, who attended the ceremony.
"It's the first time I've come out, and I really felt compelled to do this today," Cathy Flora adds.
Sgt. David Williams is survived by a fiancée, a sister and his father. His mother died of breast cancer in 2006.
He is expected to be buried on Thursday.
Army Sgt. David Williams of Frederick, Md.
