WHOI -- ELMWOOD -- As word of a Marines death continues to spread, a heart of Illinois town is dealing with the loss of a native son killed in Iraq on Monday.

According to his mother Lance Corporal Benjamin D. Desilets, 21, died when a bomb exploded near his Humvee.

Ben Desilets family issued a statement saying, "Our family is very proud of Ben for this, and we will cherish the memory of his willingness to serve, his bravery, and his sacrifice."

Family members asked the Marines to act as their representatives as they grieve.

Homes lining both sides of Elmwood's Freemont Street mark a quiet tribute.

"We put this flag out here special just for him. It's our recognition of his sacrifice for our country," Elmwood resident Paul Schauble.

Neighbors who live near the Desilets say nothing else feels quite right.

"How do you walk up to these people and say that you're sorry? That your son died or your husband died. How do you talk to these people? You just put a sign of respect out and let it go at that," said Schauble.

The mood was just as somber at Elmwood's school building- the red, white and blue flew low in deference to the former student turned American soldier.

His sixth grade teacher remembers a get-in-the-game attitude.

"He would much rather be outside building things being active doing other things rather than sitting inside the classroom," said Chris Herridge.

And that personality trait continued as he grew.

Ben's history teacher remembered he never shied away from a friendly political debate-especially about the war.

"He stayed with his convictions. He wanted to to be involved, he wanted to help. He just wasn't talking about it, he walked the walk," said Phil Johnson.

Both teachers saw Ben months ago and say he was no longer a child.

"He was just had a different look about him he was a man," Herridge said.

"He seemed to be doing really well and proud of himself - as he should have been," said Johnson. "It's shocking right now to have everything come to an abrupt end when he was doing so well."

As many stars and stripes will continue to dot the tiny community, the flag in Ben's family's window will soon have to change.

The blue star representing an active service member will have to be covered with a gold star, showing that he was killed serving his country.

Ben graduated from Elmwood High in 2004.

He was born in Michigan.

School staff say several other graduates are serving overseas.