As many stopped to remember, one Ohio family grieves the loss of their soldier.

Army Staff Sergeant Shannon Smith was killed in duty just two months ago.

"There is no word that can express what a parent feels when they lose their son," said father Jim Smith.

Especially when the life is taken too soon.  Thirty-one-year-old SSG Shannon Smith is remembered this Veteran's day. But his family wants everyone to know, he's not a statistic. 

Smith had a love for adventure, was a Buckeye, a loving husband, and a decorated and devoted soldier.

"I don't believe Shannon had to be there this time, but he wanted to be there for us," said Jim.

It was September 8th when this family's world came crashing down.  Shannon Smith was killed in the line of duty while serving in Iraq. Now his family has pictures and pieces of Shannon's livelihood within and outside their home.

A new Buckeye tree now grows out back to remember and honor their son.

Shannon and Cassie Smith were married in 2007, and she will never forget the day her life changed forever.

"It was complete shock. Of course you, you know it's a possibility, but at the same time you drown that out because it's easier not to think about it," said wife Cassie Smith.

Now it's a reality facing this entire family. Letters, presents and words of comfort continue to pour in, little pieces of hope that help make Veteran's day the day it should be.

"You have to smile at how he affected people even though the hole in your hole in your heart isn't healing up, they kind of help fill it a little bit," said mother Debbie Smith.

"I can only believe time will heal the pain, you have to believe he died for something, not for nothing," said Jim.

SSG Shannon Smith was a trained sniper who loved training the younger soldiers. Smith entered the Army right out of high school in 1997, after graduating from Marion Harding.

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