OBSERVER Photo The Sons of Liberty watch as the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Gerald Raeymacker returned to Dunkirk after almost 70 years on Oct. 17.

Around 7 a.m. Oct. 17, the Sons of Liberty set out on a mission they will never forget. About seven members from northern Chautauqua County, bundled in their leather coats on motorcycles, were headed to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to be a part of a miraculous return home.

Sgt. Gerald Raeymacker, who enlisted in the U.S. Army and died while serving his country in the Korean War in 1950, was finally returning to Dunkirk. The plane carrying his remains was due to arrive around 9:30 a.m. that day in the Queen City from Hawaii.

It was a morning when emotions were overflowing.

“There was a great buzz around the airport,” said Sons of Liberty member Edziu Kaus, noting the Patriot Guard, military members and organizations from Erie County had already arrived at the location in anticipation of Raeymacker’s return.

What happened next was kind of a whirlwind. Once the Raeymacker’s remains came through the airport, there was a sense of honor. Family members also shared embraces while shedding tears.

Passengers and airport staff, unaware of what was happening, understood the significance of the moment due to the large number of veterans and display of American flags. All were taking time to stop and offer their respects.

“Everybody was silent,” Kaus said, “not moving, standing there, head down. Everybody, even the people who work there. I almost cried at the airport … it’s a feeling you cannot express.”

Kaus and Kevin Pearl, Sons of Liberty vice president, would be toward the front of the escort once everyone involved was ready to depart for the 52-mile trip to the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home on Central Avenue. For Pearl, there was an extra emotional touch to the ride. His dad was a Korean War veteran.

“It made it extra special for me because to me, it felt like I was still doing something for (my dad) after his death,” Pearl said during an interview this week.

Riders — and all those part of the escort — would then begin the journey back to Dunkirk. To say they were motoring would be an understatement.

Led by a New York State Police car along Interstate 90, Sons of Liberty members were almost consistently riding at a speed of 80 mph. At the beginning in Buffalo, they faced wind and rain.

By the time they arrived at Exit 59, it was just wind coupled with temperatures in the mid 40s.

None of the Sons of Liberty members braving the elements were complaining, especially Kaus. “It was miniscule compared to what (Raeymacker) went through,” he said. “What we did … was an honor and a half. … It was wonderful.”

Their support continued on Saturday following the Mass of Christian burial at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Dunkirk. Again, the Sons of Liberty took part in the Central Avenue procession from the church to Willowbrook Park Cemetery where Raeymacker would be buried next to his mother.

When the services were complete, the veteran and military support group members remained in awe of what they had been a part of and witnessed. It may have never happened if not for Junior Ortiz, a veteran of the war on Afghanistan, who began the local group 10 years ago.

Since then, members have come and gone. Currently, there are dedicated 12 men who are riding for this organization. They include: Mark Grupa, president; Pearl, Kaus, Bruce Overbeck, Richard Slaght, Robert Lidlow, Phil Logan, Lyman Fisher, Bud Hanks, John Stevens, Jason Thompson and Travis Hayes.

Because this group rides on motorcycles, they are most active from May through October with the Blessing of the Bikes taking place before Memorial Day, right before members take place in the city parade. They also participate in a number of motorcycle events to benefit community members.

Its signature event is normally in July to raise funds for the Charles Tinley Disabled Veterans of America, which is located on Talcott Street in the city. It is the only chapter of its kind in the county.

According to Kaus, $3,650 has been raised over three years for the organization in the city that consistently does what it can for local military veterans — and never turns one away. Lidlow, who has been a member for about a year, understands the importance of their efforts.

“It’s an honor … to help those who helped us,” he said.

John D’Agostino is the OBSERVER publisher. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 401.