BOSTON -- He was an Irish kid from Rockland, proud of his heritage and proud to be a Marine. Walter O'Haire also loved South Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

NewsCenter 5's Jack Harper said that O'Haire gave his life serving his country in Iraq, but some special friends very close to him will be at the parade.

Video: Fallen Hero To Be Honored

Maureen O'Haire paid to fly 22 of her son's buddies to Massachusetts to honor her son. She used his military death benefit.

"It will give a little closure to a lot of people including my children and the Marines, and I believe it's the right thing to do to show gratitude because I'm thankful for everything they did," O'Haire said.

The young men were with Walter O'Haire when he was killed. One of nine children, Wally was six days short of turning 21.

"We've known for a long time everything he did and the sacrifice he made, and this is a good opportunity to put it out there and honor his name as well and his family," Marine Sam Dillon said.

The last time Lance Cpl. O'Haire came home before his funeral was for last year's St Patrick's day parade when he left training without permission and just came home. This year, his buddies have permission to march for him thanks to Maureen O'Haire.

"It is great to see her. My family and she have become very close. She came to the homecoming party. I feel honored to pay my respects to her family for everything they are doing for him," Marine Christopher Sawin said.

"It would have been nice to have Wally with us, but he's watching over us. He will be with us for the rest of the day and the weekend. Wherever we are, he'll be with us," Maureen O'Haire said.