After 75 long years, U.S. Army Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots, a Galesburg native killed in action during the Korean War, is finally coming home. Rolling Thunder, Inc. has invited the public to welcome home and lay to rest Cpl. Hoots, who went missing in July 1950 and was recently identified.
The City of Galesburg Police and Fire Departments are honored to be involved and assist with the procession. Given an excessive heat warning in effect, the City has arranged several precautionary measures to help ensure the safety of all who wish to participate.
To combat the high temperatures, the City of Galesburg will provide bottled water and additional shade options at Linwood Cemetery for those attending the burial service. First Student will also have an air-conditioned school bus near the burial service at Linwood Cemetery for those who need a break from the heat. Additionally, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service (GHAS) will have an increased presence along the processional route and at Linwood Cemetery throughout the service.
Galesburg Fire Chief Randy Hovind emphasized the importance of safety. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to welcome home a lost service member,” he said. “However, with the excessive heat forecast for the day, we want to ensure our community members practice safety first and have coordinated extra precautionary measures to help protect our citizens who may wish to participate in the event. We are thankful for our strong community partners, GHAS and First Student, who were willing to collaborate with us to increase the safety of the event.”
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for July 23 – 24, 2025, with anticipated heat index values ranging from 100 to 105 degrees, and potentially reaching 108 degrees in some areas. While extra precautionary measures are in place, all community members are urged to evaluate the temperatures on the day of the event and determine their attendance based on their personal health and susceptibility to heat.
Community Invitation from Rolling Thunder, Inc. and Event Details
After 75 long years, U.S. Army Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots is finally coming home to Galesburg. Rolling Thunder, Inc. invites the entire community to honor his life and sacrifice.
Born and raised here, Cpl. Hoots was a proud graduate of Galesburg High School and served his country with honor during the Korean War. After going missing in action in July 1950, he remained unaccounted for—until now. Thanks to the dedication of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, CPL Hoots has been identified and will be laid to rest with full military honors in his hometown.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
· 10:00 AM: Funeral Visitation & Staging at Hinchliff Pearson West, 1070 W Fremont St, Galesburg
· 11:00 AM: Funeral Services
· 12:00 PM: Procession Departure
· 12:30 PM: Graveside Services at East Linwood Cemetery, 1854 W Main St, Galesburg
Procession Route
The procession will travel from Hinchliff Pearson West, heading south on Seminary Street, then west on Main Street, concluding at East Linwood Cemetery. Rolling Thunder and other veteran motorcycle groups will escort the procession. The public is encouraged to attend, line the route, wave flags, and stand in quiet tribute as Galesburg welcomes Cpl. Hoots home.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed to help place and take down 600 flags along the procession route.
· Flag Set-up: Wednesday, July 23
· Flag Take Down: Thursday, July 24
· Meeting Point for Both Days: Hinchliff Pearson West at 4:00 p.m. – 1070 W. Fremont Street
· No RSVP needed.
· Volunteers should be over 11 years old.
· Please wear gloves and walking shoes, and bring water.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
