LAKE PRESTON, SD (KSFY/CNN) - The body of a World War II soldier killed in 1941 when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor was finally returned home to South Dakota.
U.S. Navy water Tender Second Class Petty Officer Porter Leigh Rich was assigned to the U.S.S. Oklahoma, which was bombed multiple times when the Japanese attacked, killing 429 crewmen on board. Many of those sailors have not yet been identified 76 years later.
"It's pretty powerful, and you know, for something like this to happen that we never thought would ever happen and to see this community come together the way that it does - is pretty incredible," said Mike Rich, grandson to Porter Rich.
He and his brother, Kevin, did not grow up in South Dakota, and it was their first time to Lake Preston. They wish they had come to meet their family many years ago.
The cause for the family reunion was to welcome home their hero.
"Meeting the cousins and the aunts, it's incredible. I never thought that this was going happen, and I never really thought we would meet them,” Kevin Rich said.
Ron Rich, Mike and Kevin’s father, never got to meet their dad. His mom was still pregnant with him on that fateful day.
"It's very emotional for our father. And it gives him closure for something that he's thought about for his whole life,” Mike Rich said.
"My grandmother talked about him a lot when I was a kid and she adored him and I'm sure if were still alive, he'd still be adored by many," Mike Rich said.
Lieutenant Gov. Matt Michaels, a Navy veteran as well, spoke at Petty Officer Rich's memorial service. He says it's important people know what heroes like the petty officer did for our freedom.
"Read about the heroes of that time. If we could be just standing on their shoulders on a daily basis in remembering and continue to live the lives they led selflessly, then we're going to be better people,” Michaels said.
The family says the Navy played a big role in getting Rich's remains identified through the Armed Forces' DNA Project.
Preston Rich’s name is displayed on the Walls of the Missing at the American Battle Monuments Commission site in Honolulu. A rosette will be placed next to his name now that his remains have been identified.
Grandsons Mike and Kevin Rich encourage everyone to talk to their older people in your community, especially older family members, to learn who your family is and to never forget.
"Talk to your teacher, talk to a family member. It's very important. We can learn from history for the future." Kevin Rich said.
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