(FreedomBeacon.com)- Glenn Cook, who served in Vietnam and was 70 years old when he passed away in May of this year, did not have any living relatives, but on Tuesday, his community came together to honor him as a hero and pay their respects.
The BackStoppers are an organization that, according to their website, provides ongoing needed financial assistance and support to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and publicly-funded paramedics and EMTs in our coverage area who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Cook, who served in the United States Army, left everything he owned to the BackStoppers.
When the BackStoppers found out about Cook’s will and that he had passed away without any relatives, they took it upon themselves to show their gratitude by giving him a proper send-off before they disbanded. In addition, Michel Funeral Home participated in the effort and was in charge of the cremation of the body. A funeral was held in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, and Cook was laid to rest there with full military honors, which included a 9-gun salute and a bugler playing “Taps.”
“REMINDER…….. Tomorrow we will inter Vietnam Veteran Glenn Cook at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. He will receive full military honors. This veteran has no family (unclaimed veteran). If you can please try to attend these funeral services tomorrow. No veteran should be laid to rest with no one in attendance,”
Michel Funeral Home called upon the public, asking people to take some time out of their day to pay their respects.
The community as a whole responded to the appeal. Despite the oppressive heat, dozens of cars joined a parade led by horsemen from the Patriot Guard. They stood there for almost an hour while an earlier burying service closed.
Following the firing of three rounds apiece, the bugler began to play. As the last notes reverberated around them, those who had gathered there placed their hands over their hearts, and those who had served in the military saluted by raising their hands.
