Remains of a Korean War Soldier Returned, Buried in NY
Oct 20, 2019, 6:57 PM
DUNKIRK, New York – Nearly 70 years after he was killed during the Korean War, a sergeant’s remains were finally laid to rest this weekend in New York.
Sgt. Gerald Raeymacker was killed in action in North Korea during the Korean War.
His brother-in-law, Roman Kloecker, has spent more than 20 years solving the puzzle of the sergeant’s whereabouts.
Fortunately, he was recently found among the 55 boxes of remains of Korean War soldiers that were returned to the U.S. by North Korea last year.
On Saturday, Raeymacker’s remains were finally laid to rest alongside his mother in Dunkirk, New York, where he moved with her when he was young.
His family members say this day can finally bring the closure they’ve all been seeking for years.
“Glad to see my uncle’s finally home and with his mom and it’s nice to have some closure for the family and all the hard work that’s been put into obtaining this and making this happen,” Rita Kloecker, Raeymacker’s niece, said.
His brother-in law talked about how grateful he was.
“Oh, I just think it’s the greatest day, we prayed for it for a long time and it’s here,” Roman Kloecker said. “I’m very grateful.”
Bill Brainard, ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders of New York also spoke about the special day.
“I took an oath of enlistment to defend this nation and I believe that our nation owes a thanksgiving to each of these men and women who come home, whether they come home whole or they come home such as the manner of Sgt. Raeymacker,” Brainard said. “He was killed in action, and he’s a hero, and we can’t forget our heroes.”
“I took an oath of enlistment to defend this nation and I believe that our nation owes a thanksgiving to each of these men and women who come home, whether they come home whole or they come home such as the manner of Sgt. Raeymacker. He was killed in action, and he’s a hero, and we can’t forget our heroes.”
