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Clarence community remembers Army Captain Andrew Byers

Posted at 11:19 PM, Nov 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-11 23:19:32-05

While flags wave high in the sky this Veterans Day, signs throughout Clarence remember hometown hero, Army Captain Andrew Byers.

"Clarence has really all come together, which I think is a great thing," said Daniel Robert Glauber, who was on the swim team with Byers. "It shows you the amazing person he was."

A memorial service was held Friday afternoon for 30-year-old Byers, who graduated from Clarence High School. He was one of two soldiers killed in an attack in Afghanistan last week.

"He loved this country from the very beginning," said Glauber. "He knew he wanted to go to West Point for his country." 

His memory lives on, through his family and friends.

"He was always a stand-up guy, and hardest worker I've ever met in my life," recalled Glauber. "We swam all through High School and he left High School with a couple school records. He was loved."

And the love is still evident. Dozens walked into his service at the Our Lady of Peace Church on Veterans Day. A fitting day to remember Captain Byers.

"It's a great day to have this even though it's something so sad it's the perfect day to show respect for all the veterans because they lay their lives everyday when they're in war," said Glauber. "It's really tough that this had to happen but we're glad we're all here for him and his family."

A family that says they appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. 7 Eyewitness News reached out to his twin sister, who says Andrew was an incredible man, always committed to his family, and this country.

"Andy was an incredible guy who wanted to see everyone around him succeed," Lauren Byers wrote. "He was committed to our country. He worked very hard to achieve his role in Special Forces. We are eternally blessed to have had him in our lives."