I witnessed something extraordinary today. I stood on a street in our tiny little town, with my hand over my heart and tears in my eyes, as a white hearse carried the remains of Private First Class Gerald “Mike” Kight, escorted by police officers, firefighters, and Patriot Guard Riders. Pfc. Kight was a paratrooper from the 82nd Division’s 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment in World War II. He was reported Missing In Action in the Netherlands, September 1944. His remains were recovered in September 2011, and returned to his family today. He will receive a burial with full military honors tomorrow in his hometown of White Salmon, Washington.
Rest in peace, Private Kight. Welcome home.
Official DoD press release
