The remains of the Veteran of the Second World War of Nebraska returned 82 years after his death

Lincoln, along with (Koln) – it is a story of 8,000 miles.

The remains of PVT. Erwin Schopp – lovingly from his mother with the nickname “Bud” – was returned to a cemetery in Plymouth, Nebraska on Friday, after he had been missed in the Philippines for more than eight decades.

“Remember to God of our brother buddy, thank you for his life and reward him with our Merciful Redeemer,” opened Rev. Suzanne How, Sg.

The Schops were a basic food of the Plymouth community.

Bud was only 30 years old when he died in January 1943 -a prisoner of war -after the US forces were given to the Japanese during and after the fall of Bataan in the Philippines.

He was buried in a common grave – like thousands of others – his remains are unimaginable and lost against the time.

Fast lead in January and thanks to the DNA tests, his remaining family was able to come together for his funeral – heated by the support of Nebraskaners who gathered to wave flags along his procession.

“I can't describe it except … very emotionally,” said Schopps niece Karen Mathews.

It was an emotional day for everyone present.

“A mixture of joy because it is back and sadness because everything happened with his death,” said niece Kay Wolfe. “But we also met most of the family what – many of them we know about – but we have never met them, so this is a wonderful kind of reunification for those who are left.”

With the reading of the script and a nice reproduction of “amazing grace” and “God bless America” by Sharon Schuster, the dozens present had a feeling of how proud of Schopp this community was – and is still.

“Sometimes this light needs a little help to stay glow,” said as I said. “And here people like Bud and my veterans lead the charges. The light of day continues to help against the forces of tyranny and oppression that always crouches at the door.”

Schopp's remaining nieces and nephew said their parents were proud that Bud's remains were returned – 82 years after the loss.

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