Hundreds Flock to Memorial Service To Bury Veteran with No Family
Wayne Wilson was many things. He was a patriot, a soldier who went by the name “Sarge,” an advocate and a jokester. He was in the Army from 1971 to 1977 and spent time in Vietnam, where he was wounded.
After his stint in the military, he came back and was a voice for his fellow wounded soldiers. He always offered to pick up items for his neighbors while he ran errands.
Sadly, he passed away on May 28 during heart surgery at the age of 67, according to MLive.
A thoughtful man, Wilson had planned his funeral in advance. He had no family and guessed that only a handful of people would attend his services. But he was wrong — very wrong.
“Being a veteran, he sacrificed years of his life, could’ve been his life for our country, and it’s the least we can do,” Drew Mikel, an intern with the funeral home, said.
“Wilson was an American hero who deserves our respect, even after death. If we could just come out and show him that he is loved, even though he doesn’t have family.”
Instead of the 12 friends he expected, hundreds turned up to honor the veteran on July 17 at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, Michigan. And people had nothing but praise for the late soldier.
“Wayne was proud of his country and proud of his city,” Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services said, according to WNDU-TV. “Every year, Wayne was the first person at Silverbrook Cemetery for the annual Memorial Day Parade.”
“Returning Vietnam vets did not receive the gratitude that today’s veterans receive on their discharge, on their coming home, but the military is a brotherhood, and we’ve all rallied together,” said Larry Money, a member of the American Legion Post 51 — the post that provided military honors for Wilson.
“For any veteran out there who has passed away, do this for the person,” Richard Stuart, another post member, said. “It’s something that they have coming and have the right to have as a military family.”
Even the mayor, Nick Shelton, attended and said a few words.
“Wayne’s story does not end today,” the mayor said. “Wayne Wilson, whether he knew it or not, was a hero. His legacy will live on.”
“Your presence today is a testament to the city of Niles, to our community and to country,” he continued. “Most of all, it’s a testament to Wayne Wilson.”
Rev. Michael Smith also spoke glowingly of the veteran as well as of the community that turned out in droves to attend the service of a man they’d never met.
“One of the thousands of reasons I love my community is because when you heard about this, you refused to let a warrior be buried alone,” Smith said.
“I know Sarge is probably watching this thinking we went a little over the top. But, Sarge, we refuse to let you be forgotten.”
Though the veteran did not have blood relatives, he had family in the military and his own close friends who attended. Charlotte Andrews accepted the folded flag from the honor guard, as she was a dear friend of Wilson’s.
“If he could look down and see this overwhelming crowd that came on his honor, he would be in tears,” she said. “I can just see him saying, ‘Hey baby girl, what in the world did you guys do?’”
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