Citizens gather along Douglas Avenue in Elgin Friday during a procession in honor of USMC Cpl. Alex Martinez of Elgin, who was killed during combat operations in Afghanistan last week. April 13, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
A hearse carrying the body USMC Cpl. Alex Martinez is driven in a procession along Douglas Avenue Friday in Elgin. April 13, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Marlo Ibarra holds up a camera in Elgin Friday, to record the procession of her family member and fallen marine USMC Cpl. Alex Martinez who was killed last week in Afghanistan. April 13, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
A funeral procession, honoring the fallen marine USMC Cpl. Alex Martinez of Elgin, heads down Douglas Avenue in Elgin on Friday. April 13, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Rocky Lopez holds a U.S. Marine flag Friday during a funeral procession, as he honors family member USMC Cpl. Alex Martinez of Elgin who was killed last week in Afghanistan. April 13, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Police, fire and members of the Patriot Guard lead a funeral procession along Douglas Avenue in Elgin of fallen Marine Cpl. Alex Martinez of Elgin. April 13, 2012 | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
ELGIN – Just before 3 p.m. Friday, the first sirens echoed in downtown Elgin. Minutes later, the flashing lights appeared at the end of Douglas Avenue, and Arnold Bochum of Elgin jumped to his feet. “Here it is. It’s coming. It’s here,” said Bochum, a …
