Utah World War II POW returned to family 81 years after death

81 years after his death, Utah World War II POW Ballard Yeates' remains arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport Tuesday afternoon to family members and a full military escort

[@theoryofpersonality1420]

Unacceptable that it took so long.

[@lesliecurtis9099]

🙏

[@Neurospicy-4]

God bless them all. My grandfather came home from the war but I would be just as happy as they are if circumstances were different

[@na4558]

Wonderful!
Bataan, not Bhutan.

[@Lawomenshoops]

Wait, they said he was given a burial service in Utah. Was there a body in the casket during that burial service?

[@elizabethbottroff1218]

Many families, once their POW/MIA was presumed dead, would hold memorials, and sometimes even funerals, for their lost loved ones. Even if there was no body, it was a way for families to begin healing.
This family now actually has their loved one, so there will be an additional service while he is properly laid to rest.
Side note: If the service member and/or the family is religious, it's often deemed important to move remains to an official cemetery to be buried in, "sanctified ground."
I hope that answers your question.