PLAINVILLE, Conn. -- An unusual military funeral was held in Plainville on Friday as family and friends gathered to say goodbye to a man who was killed in the Korean War.

From the 21-gun salute to the lone bugler, it was like any other funeral with full military honors. The only difference was that the funeral came nearly 60 years late.

Sgt. 1st Class Lincoln "Cliff" May was killed while fighting in Korea in 1950. His unidentified remains came back to the U.S. in 1993 and were recently identified with the help of a DNA sample taken from his nephew, who said the Army deserves the credit.

"They didn't give up when we did," said Clifford Block, May's nephew. "It's been 58 years, and it's just been a great, great thing that they didn't forget about my uncle."

May was 22 years old when he shipped out. Family members said having him back home means everything.

"I never met him," Block said. "I finally met him today. He's coming home. He's being buried with his mother and father, brother and two sisters. It's raining today, and I think it's tears of joy that the circle's finally completed."

As the hearse pulled into West Cemetery, there was a huge turnout of veterans, especially those from the Korean War who said they wanted to be there to welcome their brother home.

"We all went about the same time, at the same age and experienced the same things, so it's kind of a close-knit association," said Chuck Bouffard, of the Bristol Korean War Veterans Association.

"It speaks to all the veterans and everyone who's MIA and KIA that, don't give up," Block said. "It took 58 years, but they brought him home, and that speaks volumes about the U.S. government. We do live in the greatest country in the world."

Members of May's family said they're hoping to raise some money to buy a new washer and dryer for the veterans home in Rocky Hill. Donations to the cause can be sent to The Korean Conflict Veterans Association, c/o American Legion Post 2, 22 Hooker Court, Bristol, CT 06010.