The somber sound of bagpipes was heard Wednesday as a Valley Cottage soldier?s flag-draped casket was taken into Saint Paul's Church in Congers.

Army Specialist Justin Garcia, 26, was on his first tour of duty in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee on November 14. In the same church Garcia got married in a year ago, friends and family gathered to remember a man who they say taught them how to be loyal to friends, family and country.

Garcia leaves behind a wife, Michelle, who is six months pregnant with their first child. She received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart on her husband?s behalf. Garcia?s mother read a poem at the funeral written by Michelle after she got the news of her husband?s death. The last line reads, ?that day that you left me I knew we'd forever be apart, but until the day we meet again you'll be the angel in my heart."