It's been two days since Trent Williams lost his battle with brain cancer, and in that time, the mother of one of his friends from school put together Tuesday night's celebration.

“I wanted the family to know that the town supports them and we're here through thick and thin, through everything,” says Valerie Plaugher. “We're not going to forget him and I wanted to show our love.”

To show her love, Valerie planned the event to celebrate Trent’s life.

“My heart goes out to the family,” says Marie Cunningham of Front Royal. “It's hard to lose a son that age, and I'm just here to support the family.”

Folks here say Trent taught a lot of people life lessons.

He taught Cunningham never to take anything for granted

“That little boy suffered for a long time, and people can just learn to take care of yourself and your life, cause it can take you really fast,” she says.

Trent inspired people all over the world, but many people from the area came out for a simple reason.

“I've known Trent from Sandy Hook, my son is in 1st grade, and from living in Strasburg,” says Valerie. “I did this because a small town comes together, and he's touched my heart.”

People showed up who knew Trent well.

There were also those who knew of him, and many who never met him.

No matter their level of familiarity with this special little boy, he clearly had a lasting impact on everyone.

“There's no words to completely define Trent. He has touched my family, other families, he's a hero,” Valerie says. “He's strong, he's amazing, and he did something that most adults could never do, ever. He's a warrior.”

© Copyright 2013 TV3 Winchester / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.