NASHVILLE, IN—
The body of a central Indiana Marine killed in Afghanistan returned home Thursday to a hero's welcome.At 27 years-old, Sgt. Jeremy McQueary was a soldier, a son, a husband, and a brand new father. To those that knew him best in his hometowns of Columbus and Nashville, calling him a hero doesn't even cut it.
"We loved what he stood for and thank him for everything he did and everything he gave for us," said Nashville resident Elizabeth Cavanaugh.
"He died so we can walk the streets freely without having to worry about terrorist attacks and I just think it's my duty as an American to pay my respects to him and his family," said Nashville resident Daniel Perry.
Sgt. McQueary was killed last weekend in a roadside bomb while serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. He had deployed last October and had only seen his 5-month-old baby boy once. Thursday afternoon Sgt. McQuery made it back to his family and a hometown waiting with open arms.
Red, white and blue flew proudly up and down the center of Nashville. Tears were plentiful, words were fewÂ…gratitude and pride were abundant.
"We are supporting the hero of ours. He done his job, we're proud of him," said 10-year-old Khaley Maggard.
"He done his duty. He served his country. He done what he promised - whenever you go into the military that's the first thing you do - you promise to serve to matter what it takes. He gave everything he had and I'm just proud of him," said Nashville resident Bill Maggard.
A man who touched more in his twenty seven years than most ever will in a lifetime.
Sgt. Jeremy McQueary's memorial is Sunday afternoon at the Seasons Lodge in Nashville, Indiana.
