What a privilege it was to attend the funeral, with full military honors, for Richard N. Bean today, on behalf of Supervisor Marty Nohe. Richard was a Prince William County young man who answered the call of duty from his nation and his God to defend the freedom we so enjoy today during World War II. Tragically, 70 years ago, in 1944, he was killed on the island of Saipan in a fierce battle with the Japanese. On this day, so many years later, Japanese members of Kuentai attended his burial at Quantico. Kuentai, a non-profit Japanese organization dedicated to bring Japanese soldiers back to their country, uncovered the remains of Richard N. Bean, of Manassas, Virginia, along with his dog tags bearing his mother’s name, “Rosie.” So began Richard’s long journey back to Prince William County. Kuentai sent representatives to Manassas to request assistance in finding any surviving relatives and the Japanese ended up in the RELIC room of our Bull Run Library. Tish Como, a RELIC librarian used local censuses and other genealogical tools to guide Kuentai to Richard and Debby Bean of Nokesville, VA. Richard is a nephew of the World War II soldier. The soldier’s remains were sent to a forensic lab in Hawaii where they were positively identified this summer. On October 1, Richard N. Bean’s remains were flown home and escorted to Manassas by Rolling Thunder. Today, veterans from recent conflicts, Vietnam, including Supervisor John Jenkins and two WWII vets, including former Supervisor L. Ben Thompson, joined family members to honor one of their own once missing, now brought home. A funeral cortege proceeded down the 234 Bypass, with traffic all along the way halted, as Richard N. Bean, only 24 when he gave his live for his country, arrived at Quantico for burial. Military pall bearers carried the flag draped casket past an honor guard of veterans who saluted their fallen comrade. Taps solemnly and meaningfully signaled a return home and a job well done. Delegate Richard Anderson read a moving tribute to Richard Bean on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia thanking Richard N. Bean posthumously for his ultimate sacrifice. The service concluded with “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes. For one Prince William County family, closure came 70 years later. One grateful community, state and nation paid tribute. Confirmation that hope never dies. (Report filed by Pamela M. Sackett, Senior Aide to Supervisor Marty Nohe.)
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:01:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015