LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Relatives of a Nebraska National Guardsman who died during World War II have gathered to honor his service and sacrifice.

Staff Sgt. Floyd Whittaker died on July 15, 1944, during the battle for St. Lo in northern France. Sunday’s gathering at the historic Ferguson House in Lincoln was organized by Nebraska’s chapter of the Honor and Remember Society, which recognizes soldiers who died in service to their country.

Going through her brother’s past during the 30-minute ceremony was emotional for 98-year-old Mabel Stansbury, who never forgot the experience of losing him during the war. She says “it was really a blow to our family, as it was to so many others.”