OREGON, Ohio — On Sunday, Staff Sgt. Jack Coy's remains were laid to rest at Willow Cemetery on in Oregon.
Coy’s plane was shot down over Germany 80 years ago during World War II.
Germans recovered and buried his remains at a local cemetery but they remained unidentified until DNA evidence led to them being returned to his hometown of Oregon, Ohio.
On Sunday, the family finally got closure.
Shawnelle Johns, Coy’s great-niece, and her family have been looking forward to this day for 5 years.
"Today we celebrate a beautiful day, for his burial, for his final resting place with his family,” said Johns.
She says this weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotion, and she's grateful for the support the family has received.
"The Oregon community is such a loving, giving, community and family. And, we couldn't be prouder,” said Johns.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur spoke at the memorial. She expressed the importance of remembering those who have passed on, and how now, Coy and the family can have peace.
"There's a joy in closure to know that your loved one has come home, and that he will lay with their family members here," said Rep. Kaptur.
Kaptur says the family's determination was a testament to their love of a man that many of them never personally knew.
"That's the love that comes through a family, that you never forget. And especially with our soldiers, we bring them home," said Kaptur.
Johns and her family expressed their gratitude to the military for their continued service to our country.
"We can't thank enough of the veterans and the soldiers who lost their lives and the current military now. Without all of them, we wouldn't be here,” said Johns.
Willow cemetery is on Pickle Road in Oregon.
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