​ROCHESTER, N.Y. — ​The Rochester community recognized late hometown hero Gary Beikirch on Saturday.

Friends and family were joined by local leaders and a strong military presence for a celebration of life. 

Beikirch’s sister-in-law spoke, reflecting on his contributions to society and his undeniable character.

“His gentleness created a wave that gave us the capability to allow things to come into our hearts and minds that made us think,” she said. “He was a source of lifelong inspiration.”

Gary Beikirch was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1973 for his actions as a combat medic during the Vietnam War, but to his 14 grandchildren, he was "Papa."

"As I got older, I started to realize all the cool things he had ended up doing in the war,” Beikirch’s granddaughter Elizabeth Hinds said. “How he dodged bullets, and bombs or at least most of them or how he lived in a cave for a while. Nobody does that. That's insane. Any chance to bring it up in a conversation, I would. He was my favorite person to brag about."

Special Force's Colonel Brent Lindeman remarked that even though he didn't know Beikirch personally, they will always be connected as Green Berets and members of the Special Forces 5th unit.

"The most powerful part of Gary's legacy in our group truly is his example of service, faith and love," Lindeman said. “Love for his family, his god and his fellow man."

Grandson Timothy Hinds explained that the most important lesson he picked up from his grandfather was to live a life of significance, which meant making a personal impact on someone's life.

"No matter where he went or what he did, he always did it out of love,” Hinds said. “He always wanted to show the love of Christ to everyone he came into contact with. He truly showed what loving as Jesus loved others should look like. Now, he gets to experience that love of Jesus face to face. Papa ran his race well and finished it well. You know get to rest, Papa. I love you."

Beikirch was then laid to rest in a private ceremony.