Thursday, November 11, 2010

Manomet, MA Four Corners dedicated on Veterans Day to Sgt. Ben Sherman, an American Hero


A year ago, Manomet lost a true American Hero.
Sgt. Ben Sherman gave his life trying to save one of his men in Afghanistan.

Sherman, a 21-year-old Manomet resident and 2006 graduate of Plymouth South High School, died in November 2009 after diving into Arghandab River in western Afghanistan to help a struggling comrade. Both paratroopers were sweep downstream. The other solider, Sgt. Brandon Islip died after falling into the river with all his gear on.

“Ben always had a way of making people feel good about themselves,” his wife, Patricia Sherman, who is gave birth to the couple’s only child in March, said as she fought back tears. If Sherman could attend his own funeral, she said, he’d probably raise a toast, because he felt those who serve deserve to party.

Denise Sherman, Ben’s mother, said her son could be a teddy bear, but he stood up for what he believed in. “He built bridges not fences. He said walk to the edge and do not be afraid,” she said.

Today, on Veterans Day 2010, Manomet turned out to honor Sgt. Ben Sherman by dedicating Four Corners in his honor. A wonderful way of showing that Manomet remembers and cherishes the memory of one of many Patriots who selflessly gave his life for his country and one of his men. The true mark of a hero and one who had dedicated his life to something larger than himself.


Manomet Four Corners to be dedicated Thursday to Ben Sherman
Sgt. Benjamin W. Sherman Memorial Square Committee seeks donations

PLYMOUTH, MA — In tribute to local fallen hero Sgt. Benjamin Sherman, a memorial stone and plaque will be dedicated at the newly renamed Sgt. Benjamin Sherman Memorial Square in Manomet Thursday, following the annual Veterans Day service.

Sherman lost his life Nov. 4, 2009 in western Afghanistan, while trying to save a fellow soldier, Sgt. Brandon Islip. Both were swept away while attempting, under fire, to recover supplies that had been air dropped into a river. Sherman was awarded a Bronze Star and two service medals and was posthumously promoted for his service.

Plymoutheans proud of this native son are asked to support the memorial effort through donations to the Sgt. Benjamin W. Sherman Memorial Square Committee.


Committee member and veteran Jack Mahoney is reaching out to the public seeking donations for the memorial to the 21-year-old U.S. Army paratrooper and 2006 Plymouth South High School graduate. Mahoney and Kevin Thomas, director of the Sgt. Benjamin W. Sherman Memorial Square Committee, are friends of Sherman’s uncles. Mahoney said he wanted to join the effort to remember the young soldier.


“I’m a veteran, myself, and felt the young man should have a memorial,” he said.

Donations may be sent to the Sgt. Benjamin W. Sherman Memorial Square Committee in care of any Rockland Trust Bank, or to Jack Mahoney, at P.O. Box 354, Manomet, MA 02345. The committee hopes to raise $2,500 to $3,000. Donations above that amount will be given to Sherman’s widow and daughter.

A ceremony dedicating the intersection of State Road (Route 3A) and Beaver Dam Road to Sherman will follow the conclusion of the annual Veterans Day parade. The parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. at Hedge Road in North Plymouth. The dedication will be held at 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at the John Alden Sportsman’s Club on Minuteman Way (off Beaver Dam Road) in Manomet.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion Post, the Moose Club and the John Alden Club pulled together to make the dedication possible, Mahoney said. The ceremony will include a flag presentation, bagpipes and a military color guard.

Copyright 2010 Wicked Local Plymouth.


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