More details have been announced about the upcoming repatriation of Marine Private First Class Glenn White, whose remains were positively identified earlier this summer after he was killed during combat in the World War II Pacific Theater.
White’s remains will officially be repatriated to his family during a private ceremony at Kansas City International Airport shortly after the flight arrives around 12:16 pm Sept. 17. A motorcycle escort will then bring White’s remains southwest on Interstate 35 and west on Sixth Avenue to Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, with a planned arrival time between 3-4 pm. The public is encouraged to honor White and his Gold Star family anywhere along the route, including a flag line east of the funeral home.
White’s remains will be escorted from Roberts-Blue-Barnett to Memorial Lawn Cemetery starting at 10:30 am, with the procession going west on Sixth and then north on Prairie to the cemetery. Again, the public is encouraged to pay respects along the route. The graveside service begins at 11 am with a missing man flyover formation and military honors from the Marine Corps.
White was killed in action on the island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands on Nov. 22, 1943, as part of fierce fighting with the Japanese. White was among around 1,000 Marines and Navy sailors who were killed, with another 2,000 wounded. White was killed on the third day of the battle and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions.
KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 segment at 8:20 am Wednesday will have more information about the repatriation activities.
