STRONGSVILLE, Ohio–Strongsville VFW Post 3345 hosted its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony Monday, honoring the nation’s fallen heroes with a special tribute to a local Marine killed in Iraq nearly two decades ago.
Marine Lance Cpl. Tom Keeling received a “Hometown Heroes” banner recognizing his sacrifice during the ceremony at the Freedom Trail gazebo. Keeling was killed on June 9, 2005, when an IED detonated under his seat while on a rescue mission to assist Marines whose vehicle had been disabled by a bomb. Five Marines died that day.
The half-mile parade began at St. Joseph Church on Pearl Road, traveled south on Pearl Road, turned east onto Zverina Lane and ended at the Freedom Trail gazebo. Despite foggy and misty weather, families and children lined the route, waving flags and thanking passing veterans…