A community in Edinburg comes together Friday night to remember a true hero, Lance Corporal Derek Hernandez.
Our Action 4 News cameras were on scene during a special ceremony in honor of Hernandez who lost his life in Afghanistan back on June 6th.
Hernandez's first cousin Fabien Pedraza tells Action 4 news, "Obviously were here at Edinburg High School this is his alma mater and he'd be happy to know we are honoring him like this and the community is community out".
Some community members included War Veterans, fellow Marines, and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa.
Hernandez was only 20 years old when he sacrificed his life for his country.
Emmanuel Espinoza, Hernandez's friend tells us, "Right now it feels more like were welcoming him back home and not you know saying good bye it hasn't hit me honestly."
Hernandez touched the lives of many including his recruiter Staff Sergeant Antonio Colecio who says the Derek he knew was a great kid before he became a Marine.
Colecio tells Action 4 News, "He touched my heart and he made a difference in my life even as a young man before he became a Marine and I grateful to have known him and I will never forget him".
A special slide show with pictures of Hernandez was displayed at the ceremony, including a picture of his captivating smile.
A happy child who grew up to be a hometown hero who will be greatly missed.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT