'We've found closure:' Soldier MIA in WWII is returned home, laid to rest at Wood National Cemetery

MILWAUKEE -- The family of Private First Class Vincent Ferrara spent nearly a lifetime waiting for this day. Ferrara served with the U.S. Army in World War II. On Wednesday, Sept. 25, he finally came home.

Wood National Cemetery

Engraved on the headstones of heroes are dates of celebration and sadness -- the beginning and end of life -- many taken too soon. But Wednesday's date mattered most for the Ferrara family.

"It's hard to believe that after all these years, they finally found him," said Vincent Wojtech, Ferrara's nephew.

Private Ferrara was last seen badly wounded on a German battlefield. He was listed as missing in action in 1944. His parents were forced to grieve with only their memories.

Private First Class Vincent Ferrara

"They were in agony -- forever -- until they died," Wojtech said.

The last letter their son sent home read as follows:

The letter was written a month before Private Ferrara's death. In exchange, he made his mother a promise he took to his grave -- only to be carried out by his brothers in arms.

"Just because you leave service, doesn't mean the mission is over," said Don Mulder of the Patriot Riders. "It's never over. This is country. Freedom isn't free. Blood, sweat, and tears."

A military team used DNA to identify Ferrara's remains, buried with other unknowns in Belgium. Seventy-five years later, the Patriot Riders escorted Ferrara home.

"We've found closure, and he's found peace in a resting place close to his family," Wojtech said.

Wednesday's date would not appear on Ferrara's headstone, but like his service and sacrifice, he will never be forgotten.

"We never give up," Wojtech said. "We never stop. Thank God."

Ferrara's brother, Jim, was also killed during World War II. On Wednesday, their nephews, named in their honor, said there was a big party going on in the Italian side of heaven.