George Harry Traver, a twenty-five-year-old Marine, lost his life in the battle of Tarawa on 20 November, 1943.
Nearly 73 years later, on 28 August 2016, his remains were returned to his hometown of Chatham, New York.
These photos were taken at the graveside service for PFC Traver in Chatham Rural Cemetery.
A view of Chatham Rural Cemetery.
PFC Traver’s new casket lid rests beside the family gravestone, where he has been memorialized since 1943.
A part of the Marine honor guard, assembled and waiting.
The Ghent Band provided musical accompaniment.
The color guard, drawn from Chatham’s civic services, leads the funeral procession.
The hearse bearing PFC Traver arrives.
The guests of honor, including many members of the Traver family, arrive at the cemetery.
A Boy Scout renders honors. PFC Traver had been a Boy Scout; one of the items he carried into battle was his Boy Scout knife. It was found with his remains, and aided in his identification.
A priest performs the funeral rites.
Traver’s flag is carefully folded.
Presenting the flag to PFC Traver’s nephew, Mr. David Silliman.
An onlooker pauses by the Traver family gravestone before the casket is lowered.
Local flags flew at half mast.
Memorabilia at the reception.
PFC Traver was the recipient of two Purple Hearts; his first was for wounds suffered in the battle of Guadalcanal.
The box containing his letters, the family service star, and other memorabilia.
Decorated with Marine Corps emblems, Japanese coins, and the metal tag from a piece of Japanese machinery.
A portrait of PFC Traver.
Letters from PFC Traver, saved in their original envelopes.
