Flags flew at half staff today at Marianna high school as the community came together to honor one of its own.

Demetrius Rivers died March 14th in Afghanistan from an apparent weapon malfunction.

Hundreds of family and friends were in attendance as people reflected on rivers' short but successful time in the army.

Rivers' mother and widow were brought to tears as awards Rivers earned while serving were presented to them.

After the memorial service, rivers' body, escorted by motorcycles and American flags, was finally laid to rest at the orange hill cemetery in Marianna.

The awards Rivers had received were the army's connotation medal for serving in the military, a good conduct award, and the Nato award.