Remains of World War II Veteran Return to Tallahassee

It was an emotional day for family and friends of a World War II veteran.  As his remains were flown home today with honor.  Emotions were running high as the remains of Staff Sergeant Gerald Atkinson arrived at TallahasseeAirport this evening.  Family and friends received pins in his honor.  Sergeant Atkinson was declared "missing in action" during World War II when his B17 bomber aircraft was shot down north of Berlin, Germany on April 10, 1945.  Sergeant Atkinson’s cousin, Charles Johnson, provided DNA that confirmed his identity.  A day he has been waiting for, for years. Johnson, with tear filled eyes spoke about the return, saying "It's just a wonderful thing that he's home.”  He added, “I’ll probably cry my eyes out, cause it's such a closure. That he is finally home, and for him to have a final resting place. Because he was an unknown for so many years."  Sergeant Atkinson’s remains will be taken to Lanier-Andler funeral home, in Sneads, and he will be buried tomorrow -- in Chattahoochee, Florida.