American Hero Brought Home to Rest
VIRGINIA, MN – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) attended the funeral service and burial of Radioman Third Class Dante Sylvester Tini, who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. His remains were recently returned to his native Virginia after being listed as missing in action for 77 years.
Of the funeral, Stauber stated, "For over seven decades, Dante Tini's family mourned, searched for answers, and prayed for closure, so I cannot imagine the emotion they felt as he was finally laid to rest next to his beloved parents. It was an honor to be present at the burial of this American hero. Coming from a family of service, I have a great amount of gratitude for the brave men and women willing to fight for our freedoms and it was a privilege to help coordinate Dante Tini's return home as well as today's flyover."
Stauber followed with, "As we continue on with Memorial Day Weekend, let us remember that our country remains the greatest in the world because of the extraordinary courage and valor of Americans like Dante Tini."
After the funeral, on behalf of the state of Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz, Congressman Stauber presented members of Dante Tini's family with a proclamation naming Saturday, May 25th, 2019 as "Dante Tini Day." The proclamation was presented at the VFW in Virginia that bears Dante Tini's name.
Earlier in the week, Stauber paid tribute to Dante Tini on the
House Floor. Watch his full speech, HERE.
Background:
On December 7th, 1941, Dante Tini was at his post in the radio room of the USS Oklahoma when torpedoes ripped through the hull of the ship. Thirteen days later, he was declared missing in action. He was only nineteen years old.
Last year, Dante Tini's remains were matched with his family, beginning the process of returning him home. His remains arrived in Duluth on Thursday night and were escorted to Virginia by the Minnesota State Patrol.
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