Recently identified North Dakota veteran buried at Arlington

FARGO — A North Dakota household has now written the ultimate chapter, honoring a liked one misplaced and lacking in World Warfare II.

Simply over a dozen relations from Fargo witnessed the transferring ceremony at Arlington Nationwide Cemetery in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Nov 16.

Eighty-one years after leaving North Dakota to combat for his nation in 1941, Robert Alexander got here dwelling on an American Airways flight that pulled as much as Reagan Worldwide Airport.

The household that by no means knew him had been there to welcome his flag-draped casket.

“My mom and her sisters would all the time speak about, ‘brother Robert,’” mentioned Doug Benson, Alexander’s nephew.

Doug Benson, who lives in Fargo, introduced his complete household to Washington D.C. to witness the unbelievable day.

“It is so particular for us, that we might have that to share,” mentioned Phyllis Benson, Doug’s spouse.

The Benson’s kids and grandchildren got here to Arlington for the ceremony. A few of them are at the moment within the army, and on the cemetery.

Alexander would obtain the best burial honors Arlington affords those that served.

“(F)or me, it is actually an essential closure as a result of it’s like closing this for our complete household, so it is good,” Doug Benson mentioned.

Alexander’s casket was escorted right into a small chapel for a service. Then, slowly and respectfully, the casket was introduced from the chapel to the horse-drawn caisson. On a regular basis, The Previous Guard by no means leaving Robert’s facet.

“How blessed we’re to have the ability to have this closure,” mentioned Alexander’s great-nephew Darren Benson. “I am in all probability most appreciative of this complete factor for mother and pop, and particularly dad. I imply, he is all the time puzzled, and it is simply actually neat.”

Alexander was presumed lifeless after a Japanese banzai assault in 1944 on the island of Saipan within the south Pacific. One of the crucial historic and memorable moments of World Warfare II.

“Unbelievable odds that he fought towards, and combating shoulder to shoulder together with his fellow troopers,” Jason Benson mentioned.

It wasn’t till Doug Benson submitted DNA that solved the thriller all these years later.

“Sure, 78 years in the past,” Jason Benson mentioned.

Lastly the reply the household had waited for. After not understanding, all the time hoping, all of them discovered themselves at Arlington this week. A army band, the horse-drawn caisson, and the casket holding the younger man from Tolley, North Dakota.

“To know that he’s honored for that sacrifice,” Jason Benson mentioned.

There was a 21-gun salute, then, faucets.