Tony Fox (left) and David LaSalvia raise the American flag and the Marine Corps flag during the dedication of a memorial to Marine L. Cpl. Daniel Scherry, who died in Iraq April 16, 2007. Fox is Scherry’s cousin, and LaSalvia his grandfather. (West Life photo by Larry Bennet)

Linden Park ‘perfect home’ for Scherry memorial
By Ben Saylor
Rocky River
Published Aug. 20, 2008

Marine Lance Corporal Daniel R. Scherry’s memory was given a lasting tribute last Saturday, with the dedication of a memorial at Linden Park.

The memorial consists of two benches that flank a boulder and flagpole. On the boulder, a plaque has been mounted with the inscription: “Dedicated to the memory of Lance Corporal Danny Scherry 2005 Graduate of Rocky River High School who lost his life defending our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom April 16, 2007.”

This boulder, plaque and flagpole at Linden Park memorialize Danny Scherry, the Rocky River Marine who lost his life in Iraq 16 months ago. (West Life photo by Larry Bennet)

As Scherry’s sister, Kacie Baon, explained to the large crowd that assembled Saturday morning for the dedication, Linden Park was a very deliberate choice for the location of Scherry’s memorial.

“Linden Park is full of Danny Scherry memories,” Baon told attendees. The park was the site of numerous games, activities and events for Scherry, his family and friends, one of the most prominent of those being an interest in rockets provoked by the 1999 film “October Sky.” Baon told an amusing story of how Scherry, inspired by the film, attempted to assemble his own rocket out of wood. While that rocket did not fly, Scherry persisted, and eventually constructed a rocket that not only flew, but eventually flew so high, it never came back down.

“This park is the perfect home for a memorial for Danny,” Baon said.

The dedication of the memorial was very much a family affair. Scherry’s grandfather, David LaSalvia, along with Scherry’s cousin, Tony Fox, raised the American flag as well as a Marine Corps flag on the new flagpole. A group of Scherry’s cousins led the crowd in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. In addition, a Marine Corps color guard from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines out of Brooklyn was on hand for the ceremony.

Following an invocation from the Rev. John Cregan of Our Lady of Angels Church, Mayor Pamela Bobst gave remarks. She tearfully praised Scherry and the community that supported and helped with the creation of his memorial, saying that it “will serve as a frequent and enduring reminder of Danny,” and also of those have served in the armed forces in the past and who continue to do so today.

“He defended our nation and proudly served the cause of peace,” Bobst said.

Scherry’s uncle, John Fox, also spoke. Fox explained that Rocky River resident Scott Gipson, who was not able to attend the dedication due to a family illness, “pretty much came up with the idea for the whole thing.”

“This is a very fitting and appropriate memorial to him,” Fox said.

Among those who attended the dedication were the Rocky River High School football team and coaches, along with former head coach Ron Lewis.

The dedication of the memorial represents just one way that the community has chosen to honor Scherry. Earlier this spring, a candlelight vigil was held at the high school football stadium on April 16, the one-year anniversary of Scherry’s death. In addition, the first annual Danny Scherry Memorial Scholarship Fund 5K Run/Walk was held July 20 and drew more than 200 participants. And next month, there will be a golf outing held Sept. 22 at the Cherokee Hills Golf Course in Valley City.

For more information on the fund and related to it, events, go http://www.dannyscherrymemorial.com/index.htm.