Monterey County to hold dignified burial May 14 for seven unclaimed veterans

Jack Murphy, Monterey County's Military and Veterans Affairs officer, announced that the county will hold a dignified burial ceremony at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 14 at the Central Coast Veteran Cemetery in Seaside to inter seven unclaimed local veterans.

"On 14th of May at 11 o'clock we'll be holding a ceremony to honor and lay to rest seven Monterey County veterans," Murphy said. He said the group comprises one Marine and six Army veterans, that their ages range roughly from 58 to 80, and that two served during the Vietnam era. Several veterans also served at Fort Ord and all had ties to Monterey County.

Murphy described wide community and agency support: Central Coast Veteran Cemetery staff are providing the site and logistics; the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner's Office staff (including a sergeant and detective) assisted with casework; Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion posts will provide participation and honors; the Presidio of Monterey's honor guard will perform a flag ceremony; VFW Post 9242 will provide the rifle volley; and a volunteer bugler from Bugles Across America will play taps. A motorcade will travel from the county veterans office in Marina to the cemetery, Murphy said.

Murphy said the county's veterans services office serves Monterey and San Benito counties and highlighted last fiscal-year workload: over 3,300 unique veterans or dependents served, 5,700 claim actions filed, and roughly 2,100 disability awards processed that resulted in more than $21.5 million in tax-free disability compensation to local veterans. He said the office also processed college tuition fee waivers and other benefits for veterans and their families.

Murphy explained why the interments are necessary: some veterans were homeless, unclaimed or without known family, and the veterans services office has worked with the coroner and other agencies to ensure proper burial and honors. He invited the public to attend, noting staff will set up seating and that the community has been supportive of providing honors for veterans who otherwise had no claimants.

Murphy said slides with contact information would be shared after the briefing for residents who have questions. The county asked the community to attend and pay respects; the ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 14 at the Central Coast Veteran Cemetery in Seaside.