(Patriot.buzz) – A forgotten chapter of American history has been honored at last, as the remains of 28 Civil War veterans, long stored and ignored in a Seattle funeral home, now receive the homage they deserve—thanks to the diligence of those who refuse to forget our fallen heroes.
See a photo from the ceremony in the tweet below!
For decades, these cremated remains were in Seattle’s storage, encased in simple copper and cardboard urns, marked only with names.
Their identities had faded with time until the Missing In America Project took action.
This dedicated organization verified their Union affiliation, ensuring these veterans would be honored with proper ceremonies and military honors, reports GoSkagit.
On October 16, 2024, a solemn ceremony took place at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Decked in authentic Union attire, participants performed ceremonial gun salutes, honoring these largely unknown heroes.
The day was filled with musket volleys and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” immersing attendees in the historical reverence these soldiers earned through their service and sacrifice.
“It’s the best thing we can do for a veteran. The feeling that you get when you honor somebody in that way, it’s indescribable,” said Bruce Frail, a former commander-in-chief with the Sons of Union Veterans and state coordinator for Missing In America Project.
Additionally, some of these veterans have returned to lie in their familial earth.
They were buried in states like Maine and Rhode Island, sites enriched by genealogical connections revealed during research.
Byron R. Johnson, 1844-born Union soldier from Pawtucket, among others, was interred with full honors in his hometown to bring closure to his story.
Not every veteran was laid to rest on land. A Navy veteran had one final voyage—to be buried at sea, in testament to his life on the water.
The efforts involved in ensuring each veteran’s story concludes appropriately is a testament to a nation that refuses to forget or dishonor its history, a sentiment bolstered by the Mayor of Pawtucket, Donald R. Grebien.
“When you have somebody who served in a war but especially this war, we want to honor them,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien, cited by The Sun Chronicle.
The comprehensive efforts taken by the Missing In America Project to identify and honor these soldiers underscore the principle that no veteran should ever be forgotten.
After languishing for decades in storage facilities at a funeral home and cemetery in Seattle, the cremated remains of more than two dozen Civil War veterans were recovered and most were given a burial service with military honors. https://t.co/gX3dVRumU6
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) November 5, 2024
Copyright 2024, Patriot.buzz
