MOLINE, Illinois -
A Moline school is pausing to remember a former student who was killed in Iraq. Sgt. Justin Duffy, 31, died Tuesday when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee.
Duffy's remains were expected to arrive in Dover, Delaware late Thursday. Funeral arrangements are pending in Moline.
There's sadness at Seton Catholic School on Thursday.
"Once they're a part of you, they're always a part of you," said Sr. Janet Cassidy.
It's the school where Justin Duffy spent most of his grade school years. Although he lived in Nebraska since the late 80's, teachers take time to remember their former pupil.
"A good child," Cassidy said. "A good student and didn't cause any problems. He was quiet."
Cassidy's classroom is the same place where Duffy attended first grade in 1983. Silence of summer break reflecting the sorrow of losing a former student. Empty desks representing the loss for Seton's community.
"Hard to believe that some little boy sat that sat here at their desks was serving in such an important position," said Seton's Principal Jane Barrett.
The 1985 Seton yearbook tells the story. Barrett taught the smiling second grader. One who would grow up to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Although more than 20 years have passed since Duffy went to school at Seaton, he'll always be a part of the Seton family in Moline.
In a classroom where time seems to stand still, a darkened hallway mirrors the lesson for current students.
"We hope that this conflict would be resolved soon," Cassidy said. "We could have peace in the world, and we pray for peace every single day."
"This will really touch home with the students to realize that a young man that once sat here at Seton School, his familiy's been affected this way and that he did give his life for our country," Barrett concluded.
At Seton School, it's a sacrifice they won't forget.
Duffy's remains were expected to arrive in Dover, Delaware late Thursday. Funeral arrangements are pending in Moline.
There's sadness at Seton Catholic School on Thursday.
"Once they're a part of you, they're always a part of you," said Sr. Janet Cassidy.
It's the school where Justin Duffy spent most of his grade school years. Although he lived in Nebraska since the late 80's, teachers take time to remember their former pupil.
"A good child," Cassidy said. "A good student and didn't cause any problems. He was quiet."
Cassidy's classroom is the same place where Duffy attended first grade in 1983. Silence of summer break reflecting the sorrow of losing a former student. Empty desks representing the loss for Seton's community.
"Hard to believe that some little boy sat that sat here at their desks was serving in such an important position," said Seton's Principal Jane Barrett.
The 1985 Seton yearbook tells the story. Barrett taught the smiling second grader. One who would grow up to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Although more than 20 years have passed since Duffy went to school at Seaton, he'll always be a part of the Seton family in Moline.
In a classroom where time seems to stand still, a darkened hallway mirrors the lesson for current students.
"We hope that this conflict would be resolved soon," Cassidy said. "We could have peace in the world, and we pray for peace every single day."
"This will really touch home with the students to realize that a young man that once sat here at Seton School, his familiy's been affected this way and that he did give his life for our country," Barrett concluded.
At Seton School, it's a sacrifice they won't forget.
