The third Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. in Shelter C, the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery holds a memorial service for Veterans who were previously laid to rest without honors or with no family in attendance.
These Veterans, referred to as Unaccompanied Veterans, are former service members whose next of kin is unknown or loved ones cannot attend their service. Many times, burial arrangements have been made by a public administrator, a VA medical center, or some other authorized entity.
“As a part of preserving the legacy of a Veteran with honorable service, we strive to ensure that no Veteran is ever forgotten and are recognized for their service to this great nation,” said Larry Williams, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery director. “We invite the community to join us as we pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation and have earned the right to be memorialized. It is an honor and a privilege to remember those who have not yet received military honors.”
Open to the public, the memorial service includes military funeral honors and a roll call, where the names of each Veteran, his or her rank, and the branch of service are solemnly read by members of the North Texas Patriot Guard Riders. This is followed by the playing of “Taps” and the presentation of a folded American flag.
“No Veteran is buried alone,” said Williams. “Staff of the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery is present at every single burial and committal service. We become their family in that moment and ensure each service member who passes through our gates receives the proper tribute as a form of thanks for their service. Many of our employees are Veterans themselves so we take this tribute seriously.”
This month on February 20, the public is invited to pay respects to Veterans who served in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
These ceremonies would not be possible without the help of North Texas Patriot Guard Riders and many local government partners.
“We are humbled to perform this ceremony for our fellow Veterans whose family was unable to provide for their burial,” said Ride Captain Rick Crabb, North Texas Patriot Guard Riders. “We owe a great deal of thanks to those who served before us.”
Located in Dallas, the 630-acre Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery opened in 2000. Since that time, the cemetery has conducted more than 60,000 interments of Veterans and eligible dependents.
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces and Veterans who have met minimum active duty service requirements, as applicable by law and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty under certain circumstances or who die while on training duty are also eligible for burial, as are service members and former service members who were eligible for retired pay at the time of their death. Spouses, minor children and, under certain conditions, dependent unmarried adult children are also eligible for burial even if they predecease the Veteran.
