Brown County remembered its soldiers killed in combat with a memorial unveiling in Hiawatha Saturday.

The main part of the memorial honors the most recent casualty in a war, Jeremiah "Scott" Cole.

“Scotty as a person was genuine, he had integrity, he was a leader but a follower and he was just the most loving nephew I could ask for,” said his aunt, Leann Jimeson. “He gave his life honorably.”

Several in the community gathered for the unveiling.

“It’s amazing, it doesn't surprise me one bit because this is Hiawatha, and that's partly the reason why my brother did join the army,” said Scott’s brother, Cory Cole. “It’s because of this community.”

The memorial has been in the works since November when Scott's uncles decided to honor not only their nephew but the 58 other fallen heroes of Brown County.

“It’s awesome,” said Terry Jimeson, Scott’s uncle. “It was kind of neat seeing something from the planning stage as what was just an idea and what actually can happen. Every community can do this, you just have to start.”

A Scott Cole Memorial Ride followed the ceremony.

As the motorcycles rode out, Scott’s two year old son Nicholas looked on at the men and women riding for his daddy.

“As each day passes it does get a little easier,” Scott’s wife Andrea said. “This town is awesome the way the people come together and I wouldn't say its closure but just one step closer to the journey.”

“I know that I am just one of 59 moms smiling with tears and just the pride in our heart and how much we respect what our sons gave their lives for,” said Candy Cole, Scott’s mom.

Scott Cole was 26 years old when he died in Afghanistan in 2006.

The Hiawatha American Legion riders hope to make the Scott Cole Memorial Ride an annual event.