Memorial to honor Marine who gave his heart

Ricky Martinez will be honored by veterans groups at a special ceremony today.

They will be remembering not only his service in Iraq, but also the gift he made after his death.

His heart.

The recipient of that gift, fellow Marine Brian Troy, will be there.

Martinez was shot and killed nearly two years ago as he left a Cubs game in Chicago.

Ricardo Martinez Sr., who wears his son's picture on a tag around his neck, can barely talk about the murder without choking up.

That's why he wanted badly to talk to the person who carries his son's donated heart.

Ricky Martinez battled his injury in the hospital for five days before he died.

The next day, Troy, 43, of Rockford, received his heart.

He also wears Martinez's picture around his neck.

Martinez Sr. and Troy met last month on Rockford and will meet again this weekend.

Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Steven Bryant with Martinez's murder.