Sharon Honors WWII Hero with Monument

A solider from one of Sharon’s most well known families will be remembered forever with a brand new monument located near the intersection of Station Street and South Pleasant Street.

On Saturday morning, the community remembered First Sergeant James A. Keating with the a new memorial for the fallen World War II solider.

The ceremony was led by Deputy Police Chief J.J. McGrath and featured remarks from Keating’s nephew Congressman Bill Keating, selectman Richard Powell, state Senator James Timilty, state Rep. Lou Kafka, and others.

One of the five Keating brothers that went to fight in the war, Keating lost his life while attempting to save a wounded comrade during an attack on Nov. 8, 1944.

Keating would receiving a sliver star posthumously.

If the campaign to build the monument seemed quiet, that’s because the fundraising goal was met before McGrath had a chance to go public.

“This was a very special fundraiser because I never had to go public with it,” McGrath said.

After quietly raising half the total costs to cover the down payment, word of mouth brought in the rest of the funds needed.

To hear McGrath tell the story of Keating, click the video above.