KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsPilot missing in action for 44 years, laid to rest Saturday

Pilot missing in action for 44 years, laid to rest Saturday

LAUREL, Neb. (KTIV) -  Respects were paid one last time to Laurel, Nebraska native Don Grella Saturday, exactly a week after his remains were brought home from Vietnam.

The helicopter pilot lost his life back in 1965 when his chopper came down in a Vietnamese jungle.

However, those remains found in 2006, weren't identified until this year.

"It felt good to see that casket sitting in that church," Don's sister Shirley Haase said to the high school gym full of well wishers.  "Who would have ever know that we would be here today to say farewell and honor him in this way," she added.

The community of Laurel, joined  by members of the military, filled the Laurel Concord high school gym to remember the fallen pilot.  Shirley's husband Ronald recited a heartfelt poem, said by those who have lost friends and family in the armed forces.

"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them," Ronald read.

In the past week, the family says they have gone through a range of emotions, which Shirley finally could vocalize.

"Some sadness as we confirm his death, some sense of relief as this long journey comes to an end, but for the most part, this is a time to celebrate," Shirley explained.

A celebration not just reserved for Don, but for Don's own company lost, and for members of the armed forces still missing in action.

"Its a symbolic welcome home, not only to Specialist Don Grella, but every soldier that was over there," explained Scott Knudson, one of the many Patriot Guard Riders who attended the funeral.

Grella's remains were then buried between his parents graves' at a Laurel cemetery.  He was taken to the cemetery in by an escort of the Patriot Guard Riders, the same way he was brought into the town last Saturday.   

A permanent memorial for Grella has sat at the Laurel Concord school since last year.  The memorial was brought into the gym for the ceremony Saturday.  It includes Don's last letter home.

"It's a reminder that this community, this whole entire area never forgot Don and I don't believe they ever will," said Veteran Service Officer Scott Stanton.

Stanton says each item enclosed is symbolic for members of the armed forces considered missing in action.