WATERVILLE - From members of the military today, a definition of the word hero:

"In the army we define hero as a soldier who does his job...without fame and fortune. Someone who works a hard day because it is what his country needs him to do."

Corporal John Sigsbee died doing what his country called on him to do and today those who loved him said their goodbyes. Twenty-one-year-old John Sigsbee died an army specialist, but was buried today as a corporal. However, this son, brother and friend will best be remembered as the hero you just saw described.

Hundreds this morning flowed into the auditorium of the young corporal's alma mater - Waterville High School - to say goodbye to a man who died while bravely fighting for his country.

Those who knew him best spoke at the funeral today...all commenting on his infectious laughter and kind spirit.

The service opened with a song - the lyrics saying "I am putting down my gun and hanging up my boots...lay me down."

A song appropriate for a young man's battle that has fallen silent.

Sigsbee's former technology teacher spoke of John's love for the field, and his grandfather, too overcome with emotion to speak, had the military chaplain read his words in which he remembered John as a history buff. And the former vet himself ended by thanking his grandson for his service.

Sigsbee's mother spoke of a time that they all might meet John again. She said he would be standing with a Heinekin in one hand a steak on the grill, listening to The Eagles, inviting all to join, and would quickly add smile and pass it on.

And perhaps some of the most moving words came from the men that were the last ones to see John alive - the last ones to see his smile.

At a memorial service held just a few days ago in Iraq, some of the soldier's friends remembered the man who fought by their side, and those words were shared today.

"He had a way of bringing out the best in the people around him... that was his God-given gift. Siggs never had a negative outlook on things," one said.

"John Sigsbee was more than a good soldier. He was a man of quality," said another soldier. "John was my friend and my brother and we will count the days until we meet again."

After the ceremony, Corporal Sigsbee's body was taken to the Saratoga National Cemetery for a military burial service.

Sigsbee received three badges of honor during the ceremony today - the first, A Purple Heart, the second for the soldier who was previously injured during combat in 2006 - a bronze star, and his corporal stripes.