Many in Milford remembered a 21-year-old U.S. Marine who died fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom with a special memorial Saturday.

Cpl. Jordan Pierson died in August 2006. A flagpole and plaque at Foran High School, Pierson?s alma mater, were dedicated in his name.

Friends and family dedicated a Milford park in Pierson?s honor in the summer. Those behind Saturday?s ceremony say this dedication took longer to bring about because it took time to raise the money needed.

Local officials and Pierson?s former schoolmates along with his family were present at the ceremony.

Pierson?s father says the pain of losing his son becomes most intense during the holidays. He says such ceremonies help to fill the void and let the family know that Pierson was loved and important.

Pierson?s parents Beverley and Eric say they will be setting up a foundation in their son's name to help wounded veterans coming back from war.

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