Watch CBS News

CBS Evening News

After 43 years, MIA in Vietnam War hero buried

By Clifden Kennedy

May 16, 2011 / 6:19 PM EDT / CBS News

_MG_2701.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

In 1972, when she was 12-years-old, Kathy Strong received a MIA/POW bracelet in her stocking for Christmas. She kept James Leslie Moreland's bracelet on her wrist for nearly 40 years.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_2705.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

Each bracelet bore the name of a soldier who was either still a prisoner in Vietnam, or missing in action.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_2713.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

Kathy Strong's nearly 40-year vigil for Moreland came to an end when Moreland's remains were recently identified.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_2731.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

In Alabama this past weekend, Kathy Strong attended the funeral of James Moreland.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_2796.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

The morning of the funeral, Strong took off her bracelet, and slipped it on the sleeve of James Moreland's uniform.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_3022.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

Local Alabama firefighters pay their respects along the funeral procession for James Moreland.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_3032.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

Vietnam veterans at the funeral of James Moreland.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_3044.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

The casket of James Moreland is carried to the burial site.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_3142.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

The burial site of James Moreland.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years

_MG_3145.jpg.jpg — 2011 Lou Bopp

Kathy Strong places an American flag on the casket of James Moreland -- the man whose MIA/POW bracelet she wore for nearly 40 years.

Four-decade vigil for MIA Vietnam veteran ends
Video: Missing soldier buried after 43 years