After being declared missing 44 years ago in the Vietnam War, the remains of a Laurel, Nebraska man have been returned to his home.

Don Grella was among four crewmembers of a helicopter that went down in December of 1965. The wreckage wasn't found until 2006 and the remains weren't identified until July.

On Saturday, more than 900 Patriot Gaurd Riders rode their bikes in Grella's honor, escorting his remains from the Omaha airport back to his hometown.

Years ago friends and family members said goodbye to Don as he left to serve in the Vietnam War. Little did they know they wouldn't be seeing him alive again.

"I was in the hospital when he left for Vietnam and he came in and visited me and then went over there. Now I'm helping bring him home," said longtime friend of Grella's, Gene Rose.

Along with hundreds of others, the Patriot Riders brought his remains ome stopping in several cities. It was a ride that was certainly full of emotion.

"I had to hold tears back coming up here seeing the amount of people we seen along the road that stood up for people who were in the ride come out and represent," said one of the Patriot Gaurd Riders.

Almost like a parade, people lined the streets in each city, paying their respects and honoring one of their own.

"This is the most outstanding unbelievable group gathering that I could ever imagine in a small town, we've got a town of 900 people and we have more motorcycles in town than 900, all of this is so unbelievable you cant imagine it," said Laurel native John McCorkindale.

Grella's sister Shirley Haase says this gesture was a big step towards family closure. She was actively involved in finding the remains of her brother, along with the hundreds of others that finally brought him home.

The family will hold a memorial service for Grella  October 3rd at Laurel Concord High School.