GEORGE WILCOX BURIAL

after 76 years --- a local veteran is finally laid to rest in his hometown. wilcox's remains were flown to louisville friday - and a police escort brought him to evansville. 44 news reporter melanie zayas was at the funeral and spoke to some relatives of wilcox on this emotional day. george wilcox junior fought in battle during world war two while serving for the us navy. a burial at st joseph's cemetery was held to honor his death and legacy. it was a time to mourn and a time to honor seaman 2nd class george wilcox jr. he was killed in action during the surprise attack on pearl harbor december 7th, 1941. wilcox was on board with the uss oklahoma -- when it eventually sank during battle. his family along with rolling thunder of indiana chapter 6 showed up to support. john wilcox -- the nephew of george describes the very first moments when when he received news regarding the found remains. ((john l. wilcox jr., nephew)) the navy called me and said they found his remains and they had confirmed it through dna they did, i did a dna swab my brother did a dna swab and my cousin also did a dna swab and they compared the three." it was also a time to remember the sacrifices made -- before wilcox enlisted in the navy. another nephew remembers wilcox's father making a very difficult sacrifice during the great depression. george --- along with his two siblings were left at an orphanage shortly after returning home to evansville. ((david wilcox, nephew of george wilcox )) my grandfather couldn't afford them and he had to give them up for adoption." it is safe to say george's legacy still remains through his nephews -- who also followed in his footsteps.

"he was in basic training in great lakes michigan i recognized these and this because i went through it." wilcox's family is thankful to finally have his body home - and to lay him to rest in peace.

"going forward its just a blessing that he got to come home. and to be buried next to his brother and his dad. that is a great great thing. family members of george wilcox said they were thankful for the service in evansville and appreciative for the unwavering support from rolling thunder. to learn more about what rolling thunder does -- visit our website wevv.com melanie zayas, 44 news