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When veterans Glenn Dorsey and Mark Roy died, no family members claimed their remains.
But on a rainy morning at Tallahassee National Cemetery, more than 100 strangers came to say goodbye.
They gathered in a pavilion at the cemetery on July 13 to honor Dorsey, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, and Roy, a U.S. Army veteran.
The mourners included local residents, as well as members of the Leon County Sheriff's Office, Tallahassee Police Department and local veteran groups, who brought American flags and flags of each military division.
"As sad as it is with the passing of comrades, we rejoice in the ability to offer honors and our final respect," Chaplain Eric Smith said.
"We thank (God) for the gift of their life and for their service to our country and for the love they shared with their family and friends."
There were children and adults and some were overcome by the emotion as they wiped away tears.
To honor the memory of the soldiers, there was a gun salute and the playing of Taps, the bugle call. The honorary flag for both men was accepted by Leon County Veteran Division Services Director Ben Bradwell.
What's an 'unclaimed' veteran?
Dorsey and Roy are what the government calls "unclaimed veterans."
It's different from an "unknown soldier," or a service member whose remains cannot be identified, often because they were killed in war and their identity was lost or otherwise could not be determined.
"Unclaimed veterans" refers to veterans who have died but whose remains have not been claimed by family members, friends or a legal representative.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, uses the term in connection with its Unclaimed Veterans Remains Program.
Typically, what happens is a veteran dies with no known next of kin or family members are known but can't be located. No one else is willing or able to take responsibility for burial arrangements and the veteran's estate lacks sufficient resources for funeral expenses.
When a veteran's remains are unclaimed, the VA works with funeral homes, local governments, veterans organizations and cemeteries to ensure the veteran receives a dignified burial.
Arianna Otero is the trending and breaking news reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact her via email at [email protected] and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'Unclaimed veterans' receive final honors in Tallahassee
