WWII Soldier's Remains Laid to Rest at Arlington After 82 Years

Arlington Honors Unidentified WWII Soldier After 82 Years 82 years after his death as a prisoner of war, the remains of Army Private Bernard Curran were laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. His story is one of loss, perseverance, and eventual homecoming. Captured by the Japanese during World War II in the Philippines, Curran was part of the infamous Bataan Death March. His body remained unidentified for decades, held in a U.S. military mausoleum near Manila. Recent advances in identification technology finally confirmed his identity. The return of Curran's remains was met with a full military burial, a poignant moment given the recent resumption of caisson ceremonies at Arlington after a two-year hiatus. The ceremony was particularly moving for those present. "It's a great honor to finally lay him to rest," said one attendee. The ceremony included the traditional presentation of the American flag to Curran's family. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II and the enduring commitment to honoring their memory.