Photos: Jordan Stanton Gets a Hero's Reception

Editor's note: Until the end of 2011, Patch will be republishing some of the year's best photo essays in Mission Viejo.

Mourners who wished to pay their respects for Cpl. Jordan Robert Stanton lined the streets of Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest Thursday as the young Marine made his final trip.

Stanton was killed March 4 in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan during combat. A resident of Rancho Santa Margarita, he was 20.

His funeral packed out San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, where he was eulogized by his brother Ryan Stanton, fiancee Julie Dickson, recruiter SSgt. Thomas Praxedes, and father Bob Stanton.

He was recalled as fiercely loyal to those he befriended, an example of a Marine's Marine.

"When he told people he was joining the Marines, people wondered why he would make that choice, put his life in danger," recounted his brother, Ryan. "I can tell you why. Some people are born to be heroes."

Continue to check Patch for more details about the funeral, and in the comment box, share your memories of Cpl. Jordan Stanton.

See photos above.