The remains of 121 unclaimed veterans were interred Nov. 16
CHENEY – The remains of veterans who served in armed conflicts from the Spanish American to the Vietnam war were interred at the state veterans cemetery this week. This interment ceremony was the result of a collaboration between the Missing in America Project and Dignity Memorial.
The purpose of the MiAP is "to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremains of American veterans." Dignity Memorial provided the several staff members on site and the means of transporting the remains.
Additionally, the Washington state department of veterans affairs was responsible for providing for the ceremonial of honors and interment, which included collaboration with the American Legion.
Jennifer McDaniel, public records manager with veterans affairs, had this to say. "I'm going to cry talking about this, but this is really an amazing opportunity to give the proper recognition and dignities to these unclaimed veterans."
The term "unclaimed veteran" refers to the remains of a serviceman or woman which have have not been claimed or interred by family members of the deceased. Consequently, many of these remains lie in funeral homes across the nation, unattended.
Rudy Lopez, director of the state veterans cemetery, commented in his opening remarks at the memorial that "It is a great honor to lay these American heroes to their final rest."
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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