OREGON, Ohio — A processional of first responders driving down Navarre Avenue in Oregon Thursday evening touched the hearts of many who lined the road as friends, family and strangers honored the sacrifice a young soldier from northwest Ohio made for his country.
While serving in World War II in 1944, Staff Sgt. Jack Coy's plane was shot down in Germany. His remains were identified last year when a DNA match was found through his great-niece, Shawnelle Johns.
"It's a wonderful feeling to know that everyone out here in the community, veterans, soldiers, friends and family just pay their respects and it's just wonderful," Johns said.
It was welcome home with all the works as people brought flags and signs to Navarre Avenue for Coy's remains being transported home eight decades after his death.
"It's our greatest honor to do something like this for someone that died in a conflict," said Ken Gilsborf, VFW Post 9963 Commander.
Coy's family waited on the tarmac of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Aiport Thursday as his remains flew in from Chicago.
Many more people than just Coy's family were affected. Oregon resident Mary Brucker, who has no connection to the Coy family, happened to be on the flight from Chicago, coming home from work.
"Fate brought me here," she said.
Brucker later gathered with strangers on Navarre Avenue to honor Coy.
"It's a beautiful story from the family that they've finally got their hero back," she said. "I thought about that the whole way home."
Johns said the family is encouraging all community members to pay respects to Coy at multiple events on Memorial Day weekend.
There will be a visitation in the Clay High School gymnasium on Saturday from 1-3 p.m., with a service at 3 p.m.
Coy will be laid to rest with full military honors at Willow Cemetery in Oregon on Sunday at noon. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur will speak at this event, Coy's family told WTOL 11.
A special memorial service will be held to honor all local fallen heroes at Clay Memorial Stadium on Memorial Day at 11 a.m.