Magers' Homecoming

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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Aug 27, 2010 at 7:25 PM MDT

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2010 at 7:25 PM MDT

BILLINGS - A Billings’ soldier is finally home after being killed in action almost 40 years ago.

A bag piper played "Amazing Grace" as First Lieutenant Paul Magers came home Wednesday afternoon. Magers was shot down in Vietnam in 1971. He was 25 years old and just two weeks into his tour of duty. For years his family waited for news. Wednesday they stood by wearing brightly colored clothes to welcome their hero home.

"We ensured the remains came off the plane in an honorable fashion," said Staff Sgt. Jesse Edinger with the Montana Honor Guard.

The group carried the casket to the hearse. It's an honor Edinger said Magers might not have gotten during the Vietnam War. "I don't know what kind of service he would have gotten in 1971, but we sure gave him the best we could," Edinger said.

Magers will also receive the honor of being buried in the Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery, a facility that wasn't even built until 2008. He'll be buried Friday following a 10:30 a.m. service at the Holy Rosary Church.

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JoAnn Murray-Oklahoma said on Friday, Aug 27 at 8:48 AM

I attended the services for Donald Wann in Muskogee last Saturday. It was amazing how many people traveled from other states to honor him. The people lined up on the streets with flags was unbelievable. My husband served in the same helicopter unit that he was in. So glad these guys have finally gotten the respect they deserve.

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