A long-awaited homecoming takes place in Racine as the remains of a fallen World War II soldier from Wisconsin are finally laid to rest after being positively identified. The streets are filled with a sea of red, white, and blue as people gather to honor the hometown hero.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to express our gratitude to the generation that fought for our freedom,” remarked one spectator. Both family and strangers have come together to pay their respects during Sgt. Ralph Bode’s funeral procession.
Retired Army colonel, John Sparks, emphasized the importance of going to great lengths to bring these heroes home as many are still missing in action or former prisoners of war. “We must never forget them,” he added.
Sgt. Ralph Bode, a 20-year-old tail gunner, was tragically shot down during World War II. After decades of uncertainty, his remains were recently identified last year.
As a tribute to his memory, a plane flew over Graceland Cemetery at 10:03 a.m., the exact moment Bode’s plane was lost during a bombing mission.
“It’s crucial for children, and all of us, to understand that sacrifices had to be made,” stated Spotts. Bode’s niece also spoke at the ceremony, sharing with the crowd that her grandparents’ son has finally returned home.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency confirmed that Bode’s remains were identified through anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA. Today, we honor Sgt. Ralph Bode and ensure that his legacy lives on.
After eighty years, the long-awaited homecoming has finally arrived for a fallen soldier from Wisconsin who fought in World War II. The remains of this brave serviceman have been positively identified and he is now being laid to rest with the honor and respect he deserves.
The streets of Racine are filled with a sea of patriotic colors as people eagerly await the long-awaited homecoming of a local soldier.
“This event provides us with a wonderful chance to express our gratitude to the generation that granted us the gift of freedom,” remarked a spectator.
“We are committed to doing whatever it takes to bring them home, as many of them are either missing in action or former prisoners of war. It is of utmost importance that we remember and honor them,” emphasized John Sparks, a retired Army colonel.
At just 20 years old, Bode served as a tail gunner during World War II. Tragically, his plane was shot down during the war, and it was only last year that his remains were finally identified.
At 10:03 a.m., a plane soared over Graceland Cemetery, coinciding with the precise time when Bode’s plan went missing on a bombing mission.
Spotts emphasized the significance of recognizing that sacrifices need to be made, particularly for the well-being of children.
During Friday’s ceremony, Bode’s niece addressed the crowd and shared that her grandparents finally had their son’s remains returned to them.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency was able to identify Bode’s remains through anthropological analysis and mitochondrial DNA.
Source: WISN