Hero finally returns home decades after Pearl Harbor attack

In the United States, after more than eight decades since the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, the remains of U.S. Navy Storekeeper 3rd Class Roberto Stillman Garcia are being laid to rest. Garcia, a sailor from Concepcion, Texas, served aboard the battleship USS California during the Japanese assault on December 7, 1941. The California suffered extensive damage from torpedoes and a bomb during the attack. Following the incident, Garcia's remains were exhumed in 1947 as part of an effort to identify U.S. casualties. His unidentified remains were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, also known as the Punchbowl. The family of Garcia, who had not seen him since his disappearance during the attack, remained hopeful for decades regarding his identification. Earlier this year, swab kits were sent by the Navy, allowing family members, including Nickie Valdez, Garcia's niece, to potentially identify him through DNA. A match was confirmed on August 19, 2025, leading his family to finally bring him home for proper burial. Valdez reflects on her grandmother's assurance that Garcia would always return one day, and she sees this moment as a fulfillment of her family's dream. Garcia's legacy is honored by his family, including his great-nephew Tony "JR" Bonilla III, a Marine Corps veteran who feels a deep connection to his uncle despite never having met him. Bonilla views taking part in the ceremony as an important way to honor Garcia's service and sacrifice. Additionally, Garcia’s great-niece, Navy Lt. Allison Ledezma, stationed in Hawaii, is set to escort his remains back to Texas. This significant event not only brings closure to Garcia's family but is also viewed as an important moment for the entire Coastal Bend community. The ceremony for Garcia’s burial, which will take place on Monday, October 21, 2025, at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, is open to the public. Prior to the burial, a recitation of The Holy Rosary will occur on the evening of October 20 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. The family has expressed how much this event will mean to them and the community, emphasizing the enduring memory of those who served in the armed forces and the importance of honoring their sacrifice.