Parents Of Hingham Marine Killed In Helicopter Crash Call Support 'Beyond Words'

HINGHAM (CBS) – The family of a Hingham Marine killed when two military helicopters crashed in Hawaii called the show of support from their home state "beyond words."

Cpl. Christopher Orlando was a flight crew chief on board one of the United States Marine Corps helicopters that crashed off the shore of Hawaii on January 14.

Read: Letter From Richard and Linda Orlando

A total of 12 Marines died in the crash.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Hingham on Tuesday night as Orlando's family returned home with a police escort after attending a memorial service in Hawaii.

On Friday, Richard and Linda Orlando released a letter thanking the community for its support.

"Once we exited at Derby Street and entered into our hometown of Hingham, the show of support from our family, friends and community was beyond words," Orlando's parents wrote. "The people of all ages who lined the streets holding flags and signs of support in silence and respect for Christopher and us will be etched in our minds forever."

Though the status of all 12 Marines involved in the crash was changed to deceased, they have not yet been located.

The Orlando family said search and recovery efforts will continue on the north shore of Hawaii despite challenging weather conditions.

"We pray for the recovery of each and every Marine of Pagasus 31 and Pegasus 32," Richard and Linda Orlando wrote.

No funeral services have been planned for Cpl. Orlando.