Lance Cpl. Brandon Garabrant, a 19-year-old from Greenfield who loved being a Marine and a firefighter, gave his life for his country Friday.

A Marine whose request to wear his uniform at his high school graduation last year was refused by school officials has been killed in Afghanistan.

That night, his mother also posted this tribute to her oldest child: “The high price of freedom is a cost paid by a brave few.”

And a quote Garabrant posted in March was rendered even more poignant by his death: “Only two defining forces have offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.”

On the North River wishes to offer condolences to the family and friends of this exceptional young man.    Read more about him, his life, his family and his community.