A procession leading from the Marion County Building to the Marion County Courthouse included family members of Staff Sergeant Shannon Smith, 31, who was killed in action on September 8th while on routine patrol in Iraq.

Also included in the procession were the Marion County Commissioners and Mayor Scott Schertzer who issued proclamations thanking SSG Smith and his family for their sacrifice.

Prior to the plaque dedication ceremony at the county courthouse, the Commissioners of Marion County paused their regular Tuesday meeting and issued their thanks on behalf of a grateful county.

Jack Decker, Marion County Veteran's Services Officer, said that two days after it was decided the wall on the courthouse would be redone, Smith was killed. Plaques affixed to the courthouse honor Marionites who have been killed in the service of this country.

During the ceremony, Decker was pointed, saying, “I hope that we never have to put another name on it.”