OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Every year on this day, Roger Kielion sticks a banner on his porch.

Every year, paper becomes more fragile.

“I always put a few on top,” Roger said.

The wind becomes a predator.

“I have to hold him tight. That’s why I have white tape,” Roger explained.

It’s a routine that never feels routine.

“The main thing is to keep the memory alive.” Roger said.

Twenty years ago, the South Omaha father lost a son and gained a grandson.

What he wouldn’t do to change the first part of that.

“I think about it all the time,” Roger said. “How would that have happened.”

Corporal Shane Kielion joined the Marines, in part because his grandfather was a Marine.

Shane had a vision of making the military his career.

On November 15, 2005, a sniper’s bullet killed Shane in Fallujah, Iraq.

He was 23 years old.

30 minutes later, in Omaha, his wife April gave birth to their son.

“I hope he knows how wonderful his father was,” April said in 2004. “and that he died doing what he wanted to do.”

Shane Jr. learned about his father from those who knew him.

Shane’s wife, his parents, his friends.

A scrapbook revealed his father’s days as quarterback at Omaha South High.

As one family remembers Shane Kielion’s life on this day, it is also Shane Kielion Jr.’s birthday.

The second-year university student studying aviation is celebrating his 20th birthday.

For the family, it’s hard not to see the similarities.

“A lot of the same qualities,” Roger said. “Sense of humor. Blonde hair. It’s hard not to imagine it.

“He’s huge,” Shane Jr.’s uncle Chad said. “He’s like a giant teddy bear.”

For 20 years, Shane Kielion’s jersey has been retired at South High.

No one was allowed to wear number one. Until this year.

“My dad thought it would be pretty cool to be able to end his retirement after 20 years,” Chad said.

During the reunion, the Kielion family went to the field to meet the Ward family.

South High Senior Ty Ward would wear number one.

“I was honored and flattered,” Ward said.

He embodies honor, leadership and commitment. Like Shane Kielion.

“His jersey is always where I pass before going to class,” Ward said. “I’ve always seen it. I never thought I would wear it.

The number one jersey will move from Ty Ward to another player next year.

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