ITCS Daniel R. Healy

Fallen SEAL remembered

RYE, N.H. — Flags flew at half-staff at the Rye Harbor State Park during the weekend for fallen Navy SEAL Daniel Healy of Exeter.

Healy was one of 16 Americans killed on June 28 when the helicopter they were flying to help a group of ambushed SEALs was shot down in Afghanistan.

About a thousand people filed into the oceanside park for a tribute on Sunday that included bagpipes and a military salute.

Exeter Town Manager Russell Dean said Healy’s death “hit the town hard,” prompting anger, sadness and a feeling of gratitude.

“I can tell he’s someone of great achievement,” Dean said as he left the memorial. “He’s a hero. People won’t forget him in the town.”

Healy joined the Navy in 1990 and was a Navy SEAL for 13 years. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor and was sent to Afghanistan in March.