STEUBENVILLE — Eighty-two years after Seaman 2nd Class Stanley Casmier Galaszewski died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Steubenville community came to pay their respects as the fallen hometown hero’s funeral procession passed by them on Friday.

Beginning at Mosti Funeral Home, the procession was joined by veterans and first responders, all while traffic was stopped along Sunset Boulevard.

Members of the public stood along the road to show their own support, some waving U.S. flags and others giving a salute as the hearse carrying Galaszewski’s remains passed by.

Galaszewski was 29 years old and serving aboard the USS California when he was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified Galaszewski’s remains using DNA analysis and officially listed him as accounted for on May 23, 2022, leading to his remains being transported from Honolulu to Steubenville for his burial at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Escorting the hearse down Sunset Boulevard were various veteran rider groups, including representatives from Yorkville, Burgettstown and Flushing. Leading the effort were the members of Ohio District 6 of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit organization of veterans who escort deceased military and first responder personnel to their burial sites.

John Bowman, an eight-year member of the Patriot Guard Riders, said of the organization: “We show honor and respect for the fallen.”

Himself an Army veteran who served from 1969 to 1971, Bowman noted that his father served during World War II, as had Galaszewski.

Also riding in solidarity was Jim Fabian, sergeant-at-arms of the American Legion Riders of Post 557 in Wintersville.

“I was so excited that I could participate in this along with all of my brothers and sisters, other veterans. We feel ecstatic, and we’re so happy (Galaszewski) is home. After 82 years, we welcome him,” Fabian said.

Fabian said the American Legion, in addition to doing escorts for funerals, steps in to help military families who are struggling. Another initiative of the American Legion is the yearly “brick run,” through which veterans’ names are placed on bricks that are transported for placement in the Ohio Veterans’ Memorial Park in Clinton.

Ken Porter, an American Legion rider, said, “It’s an honor … to escort somebody who lost his life in combat. It’s an honor to participate, but it’s important to us that we do it.”

Participating first responder departments included Steubenville police and fire, Toronto police, Wells Township police, Mingo Junction Police, Wintersville police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Among police participating in the procession was Mingo Junction Police Chief Willie McKenzie III, who said, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and blessing to be a part of something like this (and) to be able to honor such a great man who served in World War II. It’s always an honor … to provide a service to someone who has provided a service to the world.”

Standing across the street from Mosti Funeral Home were Rich Gunther, Sharen Gunther and Pennie Scarpone.

Scarpone said that Galaszewski is “a hero,” so they wanted to show their respect during the funeral procession. She added that Galaszewski “paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

Rich Gunther added, “If it wasn’t for DNA analysis, he’d still be buried in (Hawaii). … It’s amazing that with technology today, 82 years later, they can bring someone home from World War II and give them a proper burial.”

Scarpone said, “Could you imagine 80 years later? Because the family members died not knowing if they would ever find him.”

Galaszewski was one of seven children, four boys and three girls, who were born to Anthony and Mary Helen Galaszewski. Although none of his immediate family survived to see him accounted for, Galaszewski’s nieces and nephews from multiple generations were present for the funeral.

“He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country,” Rich Gunther said. “The least we can do is stand out her for an hour and show respect for someone who fought for our country and died for our country.”

Also showing support was William Owens, who served two years in Pearl Habor on the USS Wilhoite from 1967 to 1968. He reported returning from a reunion for his fellow service members in San Diego last week.

“You can’t beat this. It’s about time they supported this,” said Owens, emphasizing that recognition of Pearl Harbor military personnel is long overdue. “We should’ve done it 40 years ago, but a lot of the guys are gone now.”

Sailors were required to salute the memorial of the USS Arizona every time they passed by, said Owens, who served from 1966 to 1972, with 18 months in Vietnam.

Lined along Sunset were students from Steubenville High School and Steubenville Catholic schools. Among them were about 200 third- through fifth-graders from Bishop John King Mussio Elementary School who held and waved U.S. flags.