Families Face Tenth Anniversary of Ohio Marine Deaths

CINCINNATI (AP) — A painful anniversary approaches for family members of 14 Marines killed in one of the most devastating days of the Iraq War.

Ten years ago Monday, a roadside bomb blast claimed 11 members Columbus-based Lima Company. Their ages were 19 to 26.

Parents say the time has passed slowly and often painfully. But many have tried to memorialize their sons by starting efforts to help others. A variety of golf outings, charity runs, auctions and other fundraisers benefit scholarship and community programs.

Keith Wightman of tiny Sabina says he tries to honor his son Brett as much as he can, even as he laments what he might have been.

There will be memorial events Sunday in Cincinnati and Aug. 14-15 in Columbus.

(Story by: Dan Sewell, The Associated Press)