Last Thursday, September 29, 2011, Marine Captain Thomas J. Heitmann, who died the week prior, was brought home via Chicago Midway Airport where members of the Chicago Fire Department stood with their apparatus as a procession which included the Patriot Guard and several police agencies escorted the captain from the airport.

US Marine Captain Thomas J. Heitmann escorted from Midway Airport

Chicago Fire Department aerials extend over 55th Street outside of Midway Airport. Larry Shapiro photo

US Marine Captain Thomas J. Heitmann escorted from Midway Airport

The Illinois State Police and the Chicago Police Department lead the escort from the airport. Larry Shapiro photo

US Marine Captain Thomas J. Heitmann escorted from Midway Airport

Members of the Patriot Guard honor the fallen Marine Captain. Larry Shapiro photo

US Marine Captain Thomas J. Heitmann escorted from Midway Airport

The hearse is preceded by a police car from Mendota, IL, hoe to the late captain. Larry Shapiro photo

If you have never experienced a processional like this, it is quite an emotional experience.