When, as a country, the USA has put out the request for service: starting with the Revolutionary War – after Pearl Harbor was attacked – following the World Trade Center attacks and many other times – her people have responded. On July 15, 2025 word was passed around “an unaccompanied veteran” would be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. The services to honor this fallen hero would occur on the morning of July 17, 2025
An unaccompanied veteran is a citizen who had served their country – but would have no family present for their final salute and tribute. And like other calls for service, this one was also answered. More than a hundred souls: active-duty service members, retirees, veterans from every branch, and civilians who simply understood the debt owed, stopped their day and their lives to say their farewells to a man they did not know.
The day arrived with a clear sky, only a few scattered soft clouds floated high above the southwest Michigan landscape. A light breeze kept the air fresh, the temperature was neither hot, nor cold. The Cemetery’s main entrance was lined on both sides with USA flags. Cars were four across occupying all lanes of the main assembly area and the entrance roadway itself.
Yes, the call for service was answered.
When the time came, the Cemetery’s staff directed cars to Presentation Area ‘A’. As cars came to a stop and visitors slowly made their way toward the ceremonial shelter, the Fort Custer All Volunteer Honor Guard moved with quiet precision. They were there to render full military honors to a man whose name many had only just learned. Yet in that moment, it mattered little he was unknown to most. His service, his sacrifice, and his dedication to his country would not pass unnoticed. Dressed in white shirts, black pants, shiny polished black boots and black berets – the Guard members exemplified the pride and honor of military service. All of these guard members are veterans in their own right.
The attendees where a melting pot. Present were active duty Army, Air Force and Navy. Some in utilities (work cloths), others in Ceremonial Parade Dress. There were civilians in suits, others in jeans. Retirees, some with commemorative service vests, others simply with hats indicating their services. The black vests of over two dozen members of a nearby VFW’s Motorcycle Riders Club showed their respective pride and honor of service.
A few on hand this summer day were barely out of high school. Others present had witness many sunsetsin their long lives. Hands where shaken and greetings were exchanged. People who had never met before, would never meet again, spoke as if they were old friends. Current military – past military – never served: the bond of “We Are Americans and we appreciate our military was strong and resilient.” All present shared one common bond, to honor a hero they did not know, yet valued as if a close family member.
Once everyone was gathered, uniformed active duty who were recruited from the crowd, removed the flag draped casket from the hearse. It was moved up a flag lined walkway to the viewing area. During this official movement, military members and the Honor Guard all stood at attention and saluted our beloved brother as he passed. The casket was placed in front of a display of flags representing all branches of the military, with the ceremonial flag positioned so the field of blue was over the left shoulder of the soldier.
The Officiant, a senior member of the Honor Guard, explained the sequence of events. This was followed by a brief service acknowledgment and a short prayer from a member of the clergy. On command, the seven sharply dressed and practiced Rifle Team Members performing a three volley, 21 gun salute.
Next, Taps was played on the bagpipes. While it is most often performed on a bugle, some military funerals now feature bagpipers in this solemn role. As tradition dictates, all active-duty and veterans brought their hands to a crisp salute, while non military attendees placed their right hands over their hearts in silent respect. As the bagpiper played, the sounds drifted across the gathered crowds and filled the tree surrounded presentation area with a mixture of grace and love but also sadness. It was a sound that seemed to fold time — part farewell, part promises kept. The notes carried the weight of service, the ache of loss, and the quiet gratitude of a nation that had come to stand in honor.
In complete silence, not a word passing between them, two Honor Guard members moved with solemn precision, folding the flag into the traditional tri-corner so that only the field of blue remained visible—a quiet testament to honor, duty, and sacrifice. Normally the folded flag would be presented to a next of kin: a spouse, a parent or a sibling. As no family was present, it was presented to an authorized representative.
The casket — again carried with assistance from Active Duty personnel — was moved down the flag lined pathway to a waiting service vehicle. The Honor Guard, along with the military and veteran attendees, presented one final salute.
Having previously stood in a rifle squad line myself, I know the privilege it is to honor a veteran. The quiet message it sends to their loved ones, that their sacrifice is seen. On this day, there was no family to receive that comfort, so the community became the family.
The rifle salute shattered the stillness, the flag was folded with reverent precision, and the haunting notes of Taps drifted across the hallowed ground. In the end, the measure of a life in uniform is not only written in service rendered or battles fought, but in the solemn promise of a nation that remembers. Today, that promise was kept, and this veteran was honored with the dignity he so deeply earned.
Note: This story is true, neither fictional nor satire.