Watch a new documentary on the 70-year search for Father Emil Kapaun
READ MORE
Once Was Lost: Father Emil Kapaun
For 70 years, the remains of Father Kapaun, a Korean War hero and Catholic priest from Pilsen, Kansas, remained missing. Earlier this year, his remains were identified and now they’re back home in Kansas.
Expand All
This hourlong documentary chronicles the surprise discovery this year of the remains of war hero and possible saint Father Emil Kapaun — and of the impact that discovery had on his family, his fellow prisoners of war and those who pray to him for intercession.
To film “Once Was Lost,” Wichita Eagle visual journalist Travis Heying and writer Roy Wenzl traveled to seven states and the District of Columbia. They talked to Kapaun’s family and to his few remaining fellow Korean War POWs, who revere him.
The two journeyed to Hawaii to accompany Kapaun’s remains home to Kansas. They were there with Kapaun’s family to film the hero’s homecoming, where he was carried by honor guards through row after row of American flags.
This story is about those who suffered most from his death and from the 70 years he was missing in action. You’ll see how much he was loved and how that love inspired searchers and scientists to do extraordinary things to find him and bring him home.
You’ll meet these compelling people — and hear a story worthy of the man.
This story was originally published November 8, 2021 at 5:28 AM.
