Posted: 4:15 PM Nov 10, 2012
Reporter: Landon Cassman

Hundreds gather in a Byron cemetery this morning to honor one hometown hero who lost his life fighting for our country.

A monument in the Byron Cemetery was dedicated to Lance Corporal Alec Catherwood today in a ceremony attended by more than 200 people.

Catherwood was killed in action in Afghanistan two years ago. The memorial is a collaborative effort by the city and high school to honor Catherwood and all those who lost their lives serving in the military.

"We hope people remember Alec, as well as all veterans, as somebody who felt they did what they had to do for the country they believed in and loved," said Alec Catherwood's mother Gretchen. "And nobody could have talked Alec out of joining, and nobody tried. And I wouldn't do it now."

"We wanted a way as a community to say thank you back to them," said ceremony organizer Jerry Oleson. "You know, we don't want to wait too long, and keep reminiscing the grieving process for them, but the timing was perfect. They haven't moved on and we didn't want to make them think they were forgotten."

The monument was designed by the Byron High School landscape class, and funded by donations.

WIFR Mobile Site Home

Gray Television, Inc - Copyright 2002-2012 - Powered by Gray Interactive Media

Full Site