LEWISTON, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It's taken 45 years, but 2nd Lt. Straughan Kelsey Jr. has finally been recognized for his service in the Vietnam War.
Lt. Kelsey died in 1967 while leading his Platoon in a seek and destroy mission in the Que Son Valley in Vietnam. He was 23 years old.
His sister, Kelsey Orestis, said he was born to be a marine.
They were part of a military family, and moved around from state to state growing up. Lt. Kelsey would go on to study at Princeton University, and join the Marines right after graduation.
One of the main reasons it's taken so long to have him memorialized is because Lt. Kelsey did not call one state home.
"I owe a great debt of gratitude to the state of Maine," said Orestis. "It has given this military brat a home, and now it has adopted my brother as well.
"There is no greater joy than that -- to be at home," she said.
Lt. Kelsey's family received an American flag and a Gold Star Plate from Rep. Mike Michaud (D) - Maine in a memorial service at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Lewiston.
Rep. Michaud said his office is in the process of getting his family Lt. Kelsey's medals.
"I am overwhelmed with a sense of closure," said Orestis. "The emptiness is gone."
NEWS CENTER