Korean War veterans hail release of remains to US by North

EVENDALE, Ohio (AP) — Korean War veterans had something extra to celebrate Friday as they marked the 65th anniversary of the armistice that ended combat.

Scores of veterans from all military branches gathered at the GE Aviation plant in the Cincinnati suburb of Evendale to commemorate the July 27, 1953, cease-fire. They were delighted at news that a U.S. military plane made a rare trip into North Korea to retrieve 55 cases of what are believed to be remains of their fallen American comrades.

Navy veteran Robert Jacobs, 89, called it "a marvelous thing."

Veterans said they hope the remains, once identified, will help families at least have closure from the loss of loved ones, with military burials and awarding of service awards.