Group Ensures Homeless Veterans Receive Proper Burials

Homeless vets get the military funerals they deserve

Group Ensures Homeless Veterans Receive Proper Burials
Created: 4/17/2008 8:08:07 PM
Last updated: 4/17/2008 10:58:53 PM

By Kasey Joyce

(KSDK) -- Staff Sergeant Dale Crowder served in both World War II and the Korean War. But when he died last month, no one stepped forward to bury him.Advertisement

"They couldn't find anyone -- friends, family and no funds," said retired Major General Bill Branson.

So the medical examiner made a call to the Saint Louis Dignity Memorial Homeless Veterans Burial Program to ask for help.

Branson works with the group.

"It?s veterans helping veterans," Branson said. "They're paid nothing for this. They asked to be a part of this committee. They want to pay tribute to their comrades."

The Homeless Burial Program started more than eight years ago. Since that time, they've helped bury nearly 70 homeless and indigent veterans in St. Louis.

"We still owe it to them to show that somebody does still care," Branson said.

Mayor Francis Slay attended the ceremony. He received the flag on behalf of the city of St. Louis.

"I think everyone who serves their country deserves dignity in their burial," Slay said.

So Thursday afternoon, a group of volunteers who had never met Staff Sgt. Crowder showed up to pay their respects and make sure he will never be forgotten.


KSDKTo see the video story click here

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My thanks to the television station for reporting this story and SALUTE to the men and women who make this hapen for these forgotten veterans who proudly served this nation once upon a time

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