Procession honors fallen Indiana Marine

[IndianaGreen]

Procession honors fallen Indiana Marine

Updated: Feb 25, 2010 4:10 PM EST

Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News

Nashville - It was a somber homecoming for an Indiana Marine killed in the line of duty last week in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Jeremy McQueary of Columbus arrived at Indianapolis International Airport Thursday afternoon. His memory was honored with an emotional arrival and procession through his hometown.

Sgt. McQueary was greeted with a silent ceremony on the tarmac at Indianapolis International Airport. A Marine honor guard removed the flag-draped casket of Sgt. McQueary. Flanked by Marines, his widow Rae watched along with several dozen family members, including the couple's five-month-old son Hadley.

Inside an airport hanger, a brief private ceremony took place before the casket was brought back out for the procession south.

"Happy to have him home with me. There are no words but it's kind of a peaceful feeling," said Rae McQueary.

The 27-year-old Marine was killed one week ago from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. His deployment was supposed to end in just two months.

"The sacrifices these kids and their families make are very important and I wish we could do more," said Julie Thompson, Patriot Guard.

Members of the Patriot Guard were there at the invitation of the McQueary family. They're here to show the family support and make sure their loved one is not forgotten.

http://www.wthr.com/global/story.asp?s=12045527




Nashville residents paid their respects.