Lemont Turns Out with Red, White and Blue to Mourn a Veteran Taken Too Soon

Lemont native Paul Davidson didn't get to feel the rush of crossing the stage and receiving his college diploma from the University of Illinois. 

But the 30-year-old U.S Marine and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran was a local hero, and residents turned out in droves Saturday, May 24 to send him off with their own pomp and circumstance. 

Hundreds lined State Street in Lemont, holding American flags fluttering as the funeral procession carried Davidson to his final resting place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. 

"This is what it's all about, goin' back to the way America should be. ... Pride, respect," one Lemont resident commented. 

Davidson died May 16 just hours before graduation, when he was struck by a car as he was riding his motorcycle to get his hair trimmed for the occasion. 

Known as a "big guy with a big personality and an even bigger heart." Davidson touched many lives. Fellow graduates paid tribute to Davidson with a moment of silence at the time he was to receive his diploma. 

“As a military veteran, Paul had a maturity and dedication that few students have,” said David Chasco, professor of architecture and director of the school.. “This is an unbelievably sad tragedy ... Paul will be dearly missed.”

Professor and Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts Edward Feser added, “We are stronger because we knew him, and we won’t forget him.”

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