Local Soldier Laid to Rest
By: Paige Preusse
Updated: February 10, 2013
Sixty-two years after he served and died for our country, fallen Korean War soldier, Corporal Robert Archer is laid to rest.
NBC 2's Paige Preusse reports on how his funeral today is just as important as it would have been in 1951, when he died after being taken prisoner.
"He's been thought about and in everyone's hearts, and we're just glad he's home," said Thomas Archer.
After 62 years, Thomas Archer says it's a bitter sweet day to bury the remains of his uncle, Robert Archer, in his hometown, Brazil, Indiana.
"This is where he belongs.This is where he was raised at, and this is what he fought for. He deserves it," said Archer.
Among Corporal Archer's family are hundreds of locals who line the streets to pay their respects.
"It's a happy day on the other hand for the community because they get their loved one back. Robert Archer worked just down the street as a teenager," said Patriot Guard Rider Rick Conner.
"It does take your breath away to see the kind of participation people put out," said David Funk with American Legion Post 2.
As Archer's body moves to the Summit Lawn Cemetery from French Funeral Home, Patriot Riders and the American Legion Post ride along in support.
"It's nice to be a part of what we hope is closure. Sixty-two years is a long time to go without knowing where someone is, especially for the family who has had to sit and think about it for that long," said Funk.
"Peace and gratitude that they did go to the effort of bringing him home after all the years that have gone by," said Archer.
Family says it's moving to see so many strangers united by patriotism.
"He fought for our contry and died for it. He should have respect...it's great," said Archer.
