BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- A Vietnam veteran who died in early November without a next of kin, or any family, was laid to rest in Bath Friday. Veteran Boyd Freeman served in Germany in the second battalion 36th infantry in the third armored division.
"{An} unclaimed veteran usually has no family members with which to claim him and in that event we do want to have a service for every veteran that's interred in Bath National Cemetery, Woodlawn National Cemetery," says Richard Hiltz, Cemetery Director at Bath and Woodlawn National Cemeteries. "So we still have a service. All the employees come {and} the entire staff shows up."
Freeman had no next of kin or any known relatives. This made Freeman become what's known as an 'unclaimed soldier. Staff members at the National Cemetery Administration worked hard to ensure Freeman got the proper burial he deserved.
That process often includes verifying a veteran's service through careful documentation.
"We go through either them or to the National Archives to try to help them get that paperwork so we can prove that they had their honorable service and deserve this honor to be buried here," shares Gary Smith, Director of Veteran Services for Steuben County.
Freeman's name was spoken repeatedly during the service. This is a tradition meant to honor his life and legacy.
"They served their country for one, and Ernest Hemingway said it the best when he said a man dies two deaths the first time when his soul departs, his mortal remains, and the second time when his name is spoken for the last time," shared Robert Yott, Veteran.
The service was intimate and a powerful reminder even though it was a somber day, it was a time to honor Boyd Freeman for his service to our country.
"Our mission is no veteran ever dies, so as long as we're still speaking his name and talking about him and his service, then he'll remain alive in our hearts," concludes Hilts.
Veterans with questions, in need of support, or even looking for community events can find details on their website by clicking here.
There are two locations:
Bath VA Medical Center
Canadaigua VA Medical Center:
400 Fort Hill Avenue