Saturday, the 6th of February, friends and family gathered at Plymouth Regional High School to say goodbye to their son, brother, teammate, soldier and friend Marc Paul Decoteau.
Marc was killed in the line of duty while serving our country in Afghanistan. Over one thousand people attended the services. The overwhelming number of those in attendance made it clear that during his life, Marc touched the lives of many and was a friend to all.
Marc came home Friday to a heroes welcome. DiCenzo Bridge and Main Street were lined with people on both sides, each person holding a flag or banner to pay their respects to Marc. Firefighters from Plymouth and Waterville Valley displayed the American Flag between the two ladder trucks on the bridge. State and town police escorted the Decoteau family from Concord up through Plymouth and past those who had come out to pay tribute to Marc. The procession ended at Mayhem Funeral Home.
Marc lived in Waterville Valley and attended school here in Plymouth. During his career as a student, Marc was also a valued member of the Plymouth Lacrosse and Football teams. Above all, he made a lasting impression with students and faculty as a good friend and student. Hundreds of Plymouth High School Alumni and current students attended the Saturday service to remember Marc and support the Decoteau Family.
Over a thousand people attended the service Saturday. Members of the State police and fire departments, armed forces, state government officials as well as the governor also attended. The central theme of the service was, “Service to God, Service to Country and Service to Community,” three beliefs Marc held close to him. The most touching moment was when Andrew Decoteau, Marc’s younger brother, spoke of Marc’s deep commitment and love of his family. PSU student Jordan Daigneault attended Plymouth Regional High School with Marc and was kind enough to talk to The Clock about his friend. “Marc was my teammate and my friend. Marc had a strong dedication in everything he did. He applied this to his family, work, sports and school. He was a true soldier.”
Sergeant Marshall Howington spoke of how Marc’s positive personality carried over to his career as a soldier. Marc’s spirit and personality turned his platoon into a family. “Marc would always be there to make us laugh when we would have a rough day. Marc was younger than most of us and we treated him like a little brother.” Marc had been deployed in Afghanistan for only three weeks.
The news of Marc’s death shook the community to the core. Yet it is through this close-knit community, where everyone knows their neighbor, that people will find the most support. It is through the support and love of others that those who were close to the fallen are able to cope with the loss of a loved one. People will find comfort and happiness in hearing stories from Marc’s life and a smile will return to their face. In that smile will be the uplifting spirit of Marc, always there to serve another.