It was 1950 when Sgt. Howard Belden was last seen fighting in the Korean War. The Hague native was declared dead three years later, but his remains were not recovered and identified until last fall.

On Tuesday, local veterans, community members and elected officials gathered for an emotional homecoming for Belden, more than 70 years in the making.

“He was one of 12 children, often prepared meals for his siblings,” said Tom Mullins. “He didn’t graduate from high school. But at 17, he decided to answer a higher calling.”

The soldier from Warren County went missing in action in December 1950 during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

“It was one of the worst battles,” Mullins said.

The 19-year-old sergeant was presumed dead three years later.

Sixty-five years after that, following a summit between former President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, Belden’s remains were pronounced recovered and later identified.

“I think if I described it in one word, 'numb,'” Mullins said. “To get that call after so many years of waiting.”

Sgt. Howard Belden went missing in December 1950 during the Korean War.

The ceremony, which was held at Albany’s Korean War Memorial, featured a resolution crafted by the state Assembly to honor Belden’s service.

“Regardless of the weather, it’s important for us that we come together and recognize the sacrifice he made, his family and friends,” said Assemblyman Jake Ashby.

It was just the start of Belden’s homecoming.

He will be awarded a high school diploma posthumously during a second tribute Friday in his hometown of Hague.

Surviving members of his family will attend. “His four brothers, two sisters, most of which are between 70 and 84 years old,” Mullins said.

Next month, Belden will be brought to his final resting place — Arlington National Cemetery.

“No American soldier should ever be buried on foreign soil,” Mullins said. “They should all come home to be buried here.”