Moment of silence, memorial service planned to remember fallen Marine

A moment of silence is planned Friday to remember fallen Marine C.J. Boyd during Palatine High School's away football game versus Lake Forest High School.

And a memorial service open to the public is planned for Saturday at Arlington Park's Trackside. The funeral on Friday will be private.

Cpl. Christopher "C.J." Boyd died during combat on Aug. 23 at Helmand Province in the southwestern Afghanistan. The 22-year-old graduated in 2006 from Palatine High School. He anchored the offensive line and started as the center his senior year, leaving a legacy of diligence and toughness with the football program.

He married his high school sweetheart, Danielle Harden Boyd. The couple lived in California and had twin sons, Evan and Jack.

Palatine High School officials are still finalizing details of their own memorial. Officials last week flew the school flag at half staff on Friday to remember Boyd.

An only child, Boyd left for the Marines after high school in June 2006. He was a rifleman on his first combat duty when a roadside bomb killed him while on foot patrol, according to the government.

The Marines honored Boyd in California, as he was based out of Camp Pendleton. Neighbors said he was set to return home in three weeks when the bomb exploded.

Kickoff for Friday's game is 7:30 p.m. at Lake Forest. Saturday's memorial goes from 2 to 8 p.m. at Trackside at Euclid and Wilke roads in Arlington Heights. In lieu of flowers, donations to the C.J. Boyd Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 94486, Chicago, IL 60690 would be appreciated. Cards can be sent to Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Road, Wheeling, IL 60090, where they'll be forwarded to the family.