Hundreds attend funeral for veteran with no known relatives

NILES, Mich. — Hundreds of people attended the funeral for a Vietnam veteran from Michigan who had no known living relatives.

Sixty-seven-year-old Wayne "Sarge" Wilson of Niles died during heart surgery in May, years after he'd made funeral arrangements for himself at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

RELATED

Unclaimed veterans buried with dignity, thanks to strangers

When the flags were removed from the caskets and folded with military precision, there were no family members there to receive them.

The funeral home’s director invited Niles residents to Wednesday’s services after learning that the Michigan City, Indiana, native had no known living relatives.

Several hundred area residents and veterans attended the services and burial at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Wilson, an Army veteran, received military honors, including taps and a rifle salute, during Wednesday’s services. Veterans and active military members rode motorcycles into the cemetery behind a vehicle carrying his ashes.

Niles Mayor Nick Shelton told mourners that “whether he knew it or not” Wilson was a hero.

More In Your Army

Ohio Guard soldier charged with terroristic threats, making and selling ‘ghost guns’

One of two Ohio National Guardsmen arrested this spring for making terroristic threats has now been charged with illegally making and selling 3D-printed guns.

How this E-8 bought a McLaren without financing at 27 percent

Patience is the key to owning the car of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Army drops high school education waivers after a week

The service quickly backtracked on the policy, which was revealed last week.

New general slated to take over Army Forces Command

Poppas will take command of FORSCOM from Gen. Michael X. Garrett.

Thousands more soldiers will be posted to Europe and rotating through

The move established a new baseline for European presence, defense officials said Wednesday.

In Other News

Should WWII’s last Medal of Honor recipient get a state funeral?

Hershel “Woody” Williams, awarded the nation's highest combat honor in 1945, passed away Wednesday.

Russian forces leave Snake Island, keep up eastern assault

Russia said it withdrew its forces from the island as a “goodwill gesture.” Ukraine said the Russians fled following a barrage of artillery and missiles.

Army veteran held in Ukraine speaks to mom by phone

Relatives say Lois “Bunny” Drueke spoke to her son Alexander Drueke, one of two Alabama veterans captured earlier this month in Ukraine, via telephone.

Wives of fighter pilots on what ‘Top Gun’ gets right — and wrong

Four wives of fighter pilots dish the details you don’t see in the Hollywood films on this episode of The Spouse Angle.

Are commissaries providing the savings they promised to troops?

Providing savings to service members is of particular concern right now due to the inflation in food prices.

Load More