GRANT, Mich. — Late Thursday morning, community members gathered along M-37 in Grant as Private First Class Thomas A. Smith completed his journey home.
73 years after being reported missing in action, PFC. Smith's remains have been identified. His remains landed in Grand Rapids around 10:45 a.m., and a procession escorted by Michigan State Police (MSP) arrived in Grant close to noon.
"Here is one man who truly gave it all for our our country," said Grant's mayor Julie Hallman while awaiting Smith's arrival. "He gave everything in sacrifice for our freedoms and what we afford ourselves."
Those ranging from first responders, veterans, and people of all ages simply looking to pay their respects, lined the street with American flags. One woman held a sign that read: "We don't know them all, but we owe them all."
Behind an MSP escort, the hearse carrying PFC. Smith made its way up M-37 to Fields-McKinley Funeral Home, with members of his family riding behind him.
He was born and raised in Newaygo County, and his obituary details that he joined the U.S. Army the day after his 17th birthday. Assigned to Company A 3rd Engineer Battalion 24th Infantry Division, his unit was defending the city of Busan, South Korea when he was reported missing in action.
He was last seen defending his detail's position guarding a road demolition site meant to slow enemy advancement, and was last known to be alive near the city of Jinju.
Sherri Morgan came to welcome home PFC. Smith with a group from Amvets Post 1988, saying that being able to witness his homecoming was an honor for them all.
"I don't even know this man, but it's my honor to be here. I'm just happy that they found him and bringing him back home where he needs to be," said Morgan.
"He never came home. So today, everybody's hearts, they understand what leaving home for your country is what this is all about," said Vietnam War veteran Martin Eaton.
Those attending saying that they are happy to witness PFC. Smith's family being able to receive closure after 73 years.
"I've got to believe that this family's reality is just now really coming to life after all these years of not being able to see or know or any correspondence whatsoever, of where this gentleman was," said Eaton. "Wherever their hearts were left the day they got the news that he was missing in action, is going to be the day that their hearts will be full, come Saturday."
On Saturday family and friends will lay PFC. Smith to rest at Bridgeton Cemetery.
