Posted on 05/01/2011 2:51:38 PM PDT by Libloather
Vietnam-era Green Beret's body home 42 years later
By the Associated Press
Posted: 04/30/2011 01:03:00 AM PDT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- No one had seen Sgt. 1st Class Donald Shue since he was on a mission in Laos during the Vietnam War in November 1969, so his sister was skeptical when Army officials called a few months ago to say his remains had been found.
"I said, 'No you didn't. I don't believe it. It's been 42 years. You don't have any proof of that,' " said his sister, Betty Jones. Then they revealed the clue that identified Shue: a Zippo lighter with his name inscribed on it.
Army officials visited her home and showed her the lighter. When she saw it, she broke down and cried.
"That was the most joyful thing I ever looked at. I knew it was Donnie," she said.
Now, four decades later, the North Carolina soldier is coming home. Thousands are expected to pay their respects this weekend in Concord, where Shue was born, and nearby Kannapolis, where he was raised. Jones, 74, of Kannapolis, called the burial a homecoming.
"We've been praying and praying and praying for this day," Jones said. "This will finally give us some closure."
Shue will be honored by family, friends, veterans groups and politicians. Two Apache helicopters from the state National Guard will accompany a procession today from Charlotte to a funeral home in Kannapolis. Along the way, it will stop in Concord and Kannapolis for ceremonies.
On Sunday, veteran groups plan to honor Shue and his family again, lining the streets near the funeral home for a procession to the cemetery in Kannapolis, where a military marker with his name sits over an empty grave.
(Excerpt) Read more at thereporter.com ...
RIP Soldier.
Salute, Amen.
Welcome home soldier. And thank you for your service to our country.......
These always make me cry.....
America welcomes home a hero.
Welcome home, Brother.
A salute to a dedicated American soldier, who was way too young when he died for his country...
May God rest his soul and comfort his family.
RIP and welcome home, Sgt. Shue.
My thoughts exactly, from another Old Sarge, and Vietnam veteran. Welcome home to you as well, OS. Msgt, USAF, ret.
Welcome Home Brother, Thank you for your sacrifice on the Alter of Freedom
Hand Salute!, Post
Vietnam Veteran, Class of 1968-69
Welcome home, Sgt. Shue. Rest in peace, at last.
May Our Lord comfort his family and friends. Rest well, Sir, and Welcome Home.
Welcome home Soldier! God Bless you and your family. There's no words to say how proud we are of you and your brothers and sisters.
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
Rest in Peace. Thank you for your service.
Welcome home hero!
Welcome home hero!
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