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Several groups came together Saturday morning to provide the veterans with the tribute they deserve.
Mary Altaffer / AP
A military honor guard folds the American flag that draped one of the 20 U.S. military veterans' caskets whose remains were unclaimed during their burial ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery, Jan. 8, 2011, in Calverton, N.Y. The ceremony, sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network, has provided services for more than 850 veterans since its inception in 2000.
Mary Altaffer / AP
Veterans stand at attention during the burial ceremony.
Shannon Stapleton / Reuters
The casket of one of the U.S. military veterans whose remains were unclaimed is seen inside a hearse during their burial ceremony.
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Rest In Peace Brother Veterans
USN (Retired)
Rest in Peace. Dignity Memorial/NYC, et al, turned their collective backs on Vietnam Veterans Chap. 32 by not advising them of the ceremony. This chapter has been at the forefront of the issue of burial for indigent/homeless veterans for two years and has buried more than 40 veterans in that time. When no other veteran organization stepped up, we did!! Proudly and with honor.
Not even an offer of participation in the ceremony. I do remember some crumbs being thrown our way by the NYC Commissioner of Vets Affairs during his speech.
As a memeber of the chapter I am incensed by the treatment we have received. We have been abandoned once again!
I will never forget the site of 25 or more huge American flags and the 1,000 fire-fighters, fire police and veterans standing outside of Calverton National Cemetery saluting our 20 heroes. And the flags on the Long Island Expressway overpasses with all the fire fighters standing at attention and saluting was such an honor to witness. May our 20 heroes be at eternal rest in the care of the Greatest Commander of them all God.
Thank you to all those who worked hard on the MIAP project. Don't worry Queens VVA Chapter 32, Pete, thank you for remembering our forgotten heroes and not leaving them behind. God Bless Chapter 32. When we so MIAP in Nassau, my brother, you will be given recognition and we can learn for your experience. And I do know how you fellm cery much so.
Until All Come Home.
Greg Bennett
USAF K9