Last week, the family of Willibald Bianchi requested that the American Legion Riders Post 132 escort his remains home to New Ulm. We were part of this escort.
To say that this was an experience of a lifetime would not be enough words to cover it. On the way home from the airport, there were fire trucks, vehicles and people on the overpasses on the highway – people waving flags, putting their hands over their hearts, saluting, many with handmade signs – and people pulling their vehicles to the side of the road to welcome him back home.
We can truthfully say we will never forget this emotional experience, and we are truly grateful to the family for including us in this journey to his resting place.
Lynae and Tom Flatau
New Ulm, Minnesota
Editor’s note: Capt. Willibald Bianchi was a New Ulm native and Medal of Honor recipient killed in 1945 when a prison ship was sunk in the Philippines. His remains were identified earlier this year after 80 years.
