“Today, we salute you. Today we all claim you as our own.”
There was a time when military members whose bodies were not claimed by relatives were laid to rest with little-to-no acknowledgement. Some have died homeless and/or without surviving relatives to claim them. Some have had surviving relatives who simply did not want to claim them. But if anyone deserves a dignified funeral, it’s these heroic men and women.
James Lindsey, cemetery director at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, spoke to WMC5 Action News about the promise he made after attending an unclaimed veteran’s funeral for the first time ever: “I came back to my office, put my head down, tears were running down my cheek and said, ‘Dear God, if you ever send me another unclaimed veteran, I will do a much better job with the resources you give me.’”
James recently heard about three unclaimed Army soldiers — Army Specialist Arnold M. Klechka, 71; Army Private Wesley Russell, 76; and Marine Staff Sergeant Charles B. Fox, 60 — and knew he had to make good on his vow.
All three joined the military in their twenties and were honorably discharged, but none of their bodies were claimed by family members.
Thanks to the joint effort of funeral homes, veterans’ support groups and countless community members, word spread on social media about a very special funeral service…
Footage provided by WREG Memphis
Source : https://www.littlethings.com/three-veteran-bodies-strangers-funeral/