While many New Jersey residents are celebrating this Memorial Day weekend, one local family is saying a final farewell to a fallen soldier.

Army Sgt. Christian Bueno-Galdos, 25, of Paterson, was killed last week while serving in Iraq. He is receiving full military honors for his service.

The entire community came together to remember Bueno-Galdos at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson. Originally from Peru, he joined the army right out of high school and became a U.S. citizen while on his second tour of duty.

A number of Peruvian-Americans, who did not know the soldier, also attended the funeral service.

"He's a hero for the Peruvian and American community," says David Toledo, of Clifton.

Paterson Mayor Jose Torres says Bueno-Galdos will be honored on Memorial Day with the unveiling of a headstone bearing his name at Hayden Heights Park.