Izoria Reeves never recovered from the loss of her son who gave his life during World War II and whose remains were lost on the battlefield. It is said that she grieved herself to death in 1951. Her dying wish was that the Army would place a marker beside her grave, dedicated to her son.
On Thursday, Reeves’ son, PFC Noah C. Reeves will finally return home.
The Lawrence County native was just 26-years-old when he was killed in action Dec. 6, 1944, in Vossenack, Germany, serving during World War II. Three years later, human skeletal remains were discovered on a rocky, moss covered slope leading to the Kall River Gorge. The proper authorities were contacted and the remains were taken to Belgium and given the number X-5770.
The designation remained until technology, the science of DNA and samples from a family in Lawrence County, would give a name to the unknown soldier.
Reeves will arrive in Birmingham on Thursday, April 25 at approximately 5:02 p.m., escorted from Nebraska by family members Lt. John Hill and his wife, Kimber Reeves Hill.
Other family members will meet Reeves’ casket on the tarmac for the 90 mile journey to Lawrence Funeral Home in Moulton.
In Cullman County, overpasses along I-65 will be manned by the local fire departments as the funeral procession passes through the area with American Legion and VFW members paying their respects to Reeves at the Exit 310 Interchange which merges onto AL 157 toward Moulton.
“We would like to honor Noah Reeves for his service. Mr. Reeves gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country’s freedom. We are so thankful for the advancement in DNA. His family has been waiting a long time to bring him home. They are in our thoughts and prayers,” members of the Cullman County Commission said in a statement.
According the funeral home website, due to safety concerns, Alabama State Troopers will limit the number of vehicles allowed in the procession to include funeral home, military personnel and select family members. The Huntsville Patriot Riders will also help with the procession.
Many fire departments along I-65 and AL 157 corridor, and the American Legion and VFW organizations of each municipality the funeral procession passes through will have representatives standing by to salute and welcome Reeves as he makes his way home.
Those wanting to participate in a “Hero’s Welcome” into Moulton, may gather along AL 157 near Byler Road where fire trucks and police cars will be stationed. Visitors are encouraged to be extremely careful and pay attention to any instructions given by law enforcement officials along the route.
American flags will be available at the Lawrence County Archives, located on Main Street, for as long as they last. First come, first served.
A viewing for Reeves will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Lawrence Funeral Home. Anyone who would like to pay their respects is invited to attend. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. April 30, at Moulton Memory Gardens. Reeves will be buried with full military honors.
For the full record of Reeves’ accounting, visit the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency record at www.dpaa.mil/.