WEST SENECA, N.Y.-- Nearly five decades after his death, a US serviceman was decorated for making the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
The family of a Vietnam veteran proudly accepted the honor in his memory.
After 48 years...
"He didn't die in vein and that he didn't die alone," said Michael Hughes, Robert Smith’s nephew.
...the family of Corporal Robert Smith received a series of service medals...
"Marksman badge with rifle bar, parachutist badge, and a purple heart, and finally the bronze star," said Rep. Brian Higgins, (D) 26th Congressional District.
…at Veteran's Memorial Park in West Seneca on Sunday.
Smith served in Vietnam and was killed in action from sniper fire back on September 29th, 1967.
"It's pretty humbling to hear about his actions in war,” said Hughes. “While deeply sad and hurt, we keep our heads high today knowing of Bobby's valiant service to our country."
Hughes says the family knew Smith had a few medals, but after some research contacted Congressman Brian Higgins to help recover the rest.
Higgins and Town supervisor Sheila Meegan presented the medals, which they say are long overdue.
"48 years numerically, but a lifetime metaphorically, and it was well deserved,” said Higgins.” It's an urgent reminder for all of us as Americans the great sacrifices of those that came before us to secure our freedoms."
"You represent a story that will be told time and time again and every time you tell that story we win,” said Meegan. “We win for all our brave young men and women who have served this great county and continue to serve this great country."
Higgins says the presentation was a fitting tribute on the weekend when the nation honors those who've served to protect the country's independence.
"We celebrate a soldier who was willing to lay down his life for that freedom," said Higgins.
"Awe inspiring to know that our veterans sacrifice so much," said Hughes.
Smith's nephews plan to have these precious medals framed and take turns displaying them in their offices.