Some of the medals awarded to Sgt. Gerald Raeymacker.

As October closes and autumn begins to usher in 2020, we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the preparation and fulfillment of Sgt. Gerald Raeymacker memorial service. There were so many people involved that it is impossible to mention all of them. Please forgive any oversight.

When the information of Gerald’s remains were given to us, it was clear it would take a mountain of preparation and planning to achieve all that needed to be completed. We are extremely grateful to Darlene Briggs Cooley and Steve Cooley for stepping up to the plate and taking over the reins.

When the military representatives visited our home to explain all the details of bringing home Gerald’s remains, Darlene took meticulous notes, while Steve used his connections at the Dunkirk Vets Club to plan a gathering after the cemetery service. Steve and Brian Briggs closed the church service with the favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace.”

However, before the family received the news that Gerald’s remains had been identified, Roman Kloecker spent months, actually years, researching the whereabouts of this missing soldier. It was through his efforts that much of the action of recovery came into being. We are greatly appreciative of all the time and effort Roman and his wife Martha, Gerald’s sister, put into this.

We can never, ever, offer enough thanks to the many local officials, police departments, New York state troopers, firemen, and first responders who guided the procession from the Buffalo airport back to Dunkirk to see that Gerald’s remains were brought home safely. The Department of the Army and the U.S. government provided unending support to locating Gerald’s, and other MIA’s finale days. The Dunkirk OBSERVER is to be commended for the accurate and lengthy coverage during the prior weeks leading up to Gerald’s return.

The Patriot Guard Riders and Sons of Liberty that attended the ceremonies earned our appreciation as friends and fellow countrymen to the deceased. Several had also served in the military. At the Willowbrook Cemetery service, they stayed behind to see that all family members were safe until they left.

It was also very gratifying to reunite with so many relatives during the days before and during the actual memorial service. The “out-of-towners” who traveled many hours to say their last goodbye to Gerald were especially welcome.

Fr. Daniel Walsh of Holy Trinity Church welcomed the many friends, relatives and local community members with a warm and sincere service. And we cannot leave out our special friend, Sgt. William Shephard, who was in constant contact with Steve and Darlene Cooley and other family members during the prior weeks, even contacting us days after the closure — just to see how we were doing.

As mentioned at the beginning of this note, please forgive any oversight — it is not intentional. Thank you to all who were present and offered condolences these last few weeks.

Donald and Carolyn Briggs, Fredonia residents, and the entire Briggs family.