ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The Latest on memorial service for Jacob Wetterling, the 11-year-old Minnesota boy whose remains were finally found nearly 27 years after he was abducted (all times local):

3:45 p.m.

Thousands have attended a public memorial service remembering 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling, the Minnesota boy whose abduction nearly 27 years ago was recently solved with the discovery of his remains.

While Jacob’s abduction in 1989 prompted new laws to protect children, he was remembered Sunday as a real boy who loved hockey and fishing.

The St. Cloud Times (http://on.sctimes.com/2d9n1hb ) reports thousands filled Clemens Field House at the College of St. Benedict in Jacob’s hometown of St. Joseph. About 1,000 more watched from an overflow area.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken were among those attending. The 75-minute service celebrated Jacob’s life with songs, prayers and memories while family photos were displayed on large screens.

The man who confessed to abducting and killing Jacob will be sentenced in November on a federal child pornography charge.

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11 a.m.

People are gathered to remember an abducted Minnesota boy whose remains were found after a search of nearly three decades.

A public memorial service was being held Sunday for 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph.

Jacob was kidnapped in 1989. His killer confessed this month and led authorities to Jacob’s remains.

The service featured a boys’ choir, the reading of a Native American prayer and the playing of Jacob’s favourite song, “Listen” by folk singer Red Grammer.

St. Benedict’s president, Mary Hinton, welcomed the crowd by saying “all of our children are safer forever,” thanks to the Wetterling family.

Jacob’s mother, Patty Wetterling, told families of abducted children, “We won’t give up.” And she addressed Jacob: “Our love for you will never die.”