Local vets help escort Civil War veteran's remains back home

Jewett Williams was a Civil War veteran of the Maine 20th Volunteer Infantry Regiment who died in 1922.

Thursday morning, a group of veterans right here in the Black Hills did their part to aid in the journey of Williams' remains back to his home state of Maine.

Williams died in a hospital in Oregon, and his remains were never claimed.

Now, finally, a motorcycle relay across the country is taking Williams home.

The Post 22 American Legion Riders and the Patriot Guard Riders left Rapid City Thursday morning, escorting Williams on their leg of the trip to Vivian.

For them, this is truly special...

American Legion Riders road captain Ron Root says, "To me, it's an honor. We honor them and all the fallen. And to honor a Civil War veteran is very special."

Steve Dutton of the Patriot Guard Riders says, "Shock. You expect a Vietnam veteran, a World War II verteran on occasion, but you just don't expect a Civil War veteran to need an escort. It's a great and wonderful opportunity and we're happy to be able to take part in it."

The relay is scheduled to arrive in Maine later this month, with burial at Togas National Cemetery on September 17th.