Unclaimed remains of 14 veterans laid to rest at Fort Custer

The unclaimed remains of 14 veterans were laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Friday, days before Veterans Day. Five of the veterans were from Mid-Michigan, with remains held by the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Office of the Medical Examiner, while the others were with the Jackson County Medical Examiner.

Since no blood relatives attended, the veterans’ military family stepped in to ensure the deceased received full military funeral honors. Veteran Fred Gramza, 79, accepted a burial flag during the ceremony, noting the honor despite never having received one before.

Veterans Jake Wassenaar and Neldin Emans held American flags during the service to stand with their fellow veterans. Attendees expressed being touched by the turnout and are asking more people to get involved with local veterans organizations to draw larger crowds at future memorial ceremonies.

Read the full story at wilx.com.