Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Gallagher

Patrick J. Gallagher joined the Marines two years ago, a decision partly driven by a cousin who died while working in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

While he seemed always eager to enlist, after the death, "he became really gung-ho about it," said Daniel Martin, a close friend.

Gallagher, 27, who grew up in Fairhaven, Mass., died April 2 near Asad when his truck rolled over in a flash flood. He was assigned to Camp Pendleton.

He followed the footsteps of his brother, Michael Gallagher, who moved to Florida and joined the Navy. "When his brother signed up and moved to Florida, he went with him," Martin said.

Gallagher was living in Jacksonville, Fla., with his wife, Elizabeth, and their son, Evan. He earned his diploma by taking night classes.

His time in the military had changed Gallagher. "He seemed so different the last time he was here," said Erin Burton, another friend. "He had become a man."

At a memorial, candles were lit near a banner tied to the Interstate 195 overpass in Fairhaven. "How would you feel if your hero just died?" asked Leonard Melancon, a close friend.