A Ventura County sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor has finally returned home just one day before the 81st anniversary of the devastating strike.
Lasting two hours and 20 minutes, the surprise Japanese offensive killed 2403 American servicemen and civilians — launching the United States into World War II.
"They thought we were descendants of the person these remains belonged to," he said."And that they may be able to identify him.""I absolutely marvel at the efforts of the Navy," said Ruffinelli."I just can't believe the extreme effort they put into identifying this man and how important it was to bring him home."
"To think that 80 years and 364 days — that's how long we owed this man the honors he got today," said Honoring Our Fallen Founder Laura Herzog. The military paid for his final trip home and what's to come. Garcia's family chose to bury him back in his hometown, next to his mother and surrounded by his family, who were forced to say goodbye far too soon.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WWII veteran lost at Pearl Harbor remembered upon return to VenturaNavy Shipfitter 2nd Class Claude R. Garcia, was killed in the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941 at just 25 years old. His remains were found in May this year and Tuesday, they returned home to Ventura.
Read more »
Opinion: Attacks on Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center shrank the world and changed perceptionsOpinion: Attacks on Pearl Harbor and the World Trade Center shrank the world and changed perceptions [Opinion]
Read more »
Opinion: We must take care of our veterans and preserve the memory of Pearl Harbor heroesOne of its pillar programs, the Battlefield Return Program, brings such veterans back to key battlefields in both Europe and the Pacific.
Read more »
Pearl Harbor timeline: Events that led up to 1941 attack on USOn the 81st anniversary, here is a look back at the timeline of events that led up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Read more »
Letters, Dec. 7: Remember Pearl Harbor attackRead the Express-News letters to the editor for Dec. 7.
Read more »