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Bernalillo County honors 42 unclaimed U.S. military veterans at county ceremony
Summary
Bernalillo County staff and veterans organizations held a ceremony to provide proper burials for 42 unclaimed U.S. military veterans through the county's Indigent Burial Program and read several names during the service.
Speaker 1, a staff member, opened the ceremony saying, "Today, we gather to honor the lives of men and women who, despite their service to this nation, find themselves without families to mourn their passing. Therefore, they are our forgotten heroes, unclaimed, indigent, yet never forsaken."
Speaker 2, a staff member, said, "A greater love has no man than this, to lay down one's life for his friends. Although these brave soldiers may have been forgotten by so many, we proudly recognize and honor each of these courageous men and women who exemplify this spirit."
Speaker 1 added that the burials are handled through the county program and partners: "Every year, in partnership with the Bernalillo County Indigent Burial Program, we've committed ourselves to ensuring that every veteran receives a final resting place worthy of their service. We thank the numerous veterans associations and organizations as well as law enforcement for their time and who will get our veterans and us safely to Santa Fe today."
Speaker 3, a staff member, stated the total number being laid to rest and read several names: "And we are gathered here today to lay to rest the souls of 42 veterans of the United States military, who upon their deaths were unclaimed. We're here to provide a proper burial. All of you here today are now family to bid farewell as we say their names. Albert LaGrange, army. Donald Charles Fitzsimmons, army."
Speaker 3 continued reading additional names: "Donald Melvin Van Ness, navy. Eddie Wilson, air force. Edward James Trebe junior, army. Eric Court Maxwell, air force."
The ceremony focused on acknowledging service and ensuring burial for unclaimed veterans through the county's indigent burial process in partnership with veterans associations and law enforcement. No formal motions or votes were recorded in the provided transcript excerpts. The county credited veterans organizations and law enforcement with assisting in transporting the remains to Santa Fe for burial.
