LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. — Today, a heartwarming act of compassion and unity was displayed as the community gathered to pay tribute to an unaccompanied veteran, Sergeant Cleon Charles Cannon, at his burial service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Despite lacking any known next of kin or surviving family members, the community made sure that Sergeant Cannon was not laid to rest alone.
Sergeant Cannon, an aircraft maintenance mechanic from 1985 to 1988, was brought to his final resting place with the dignity and respect befitting his service to the nation.
The solemn ceremony was attended by a diverse group of individuals, from groundskeepers to honor guards to members of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association, all of whom came together to honor a man they did not personally know.
John Spruyt of the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery expressed the sentiment behind this act of solidarity, stating, "We are the family, it doesn’t matter if they’re indigent, homeless, it doesn’t matter at this moment, we are the family."
Sergeant Rebecca Holman, reflecting on the service, emphasized the importance of showing unwavering support for veterans and military personnel.
"We- as the public, as veterans- we talk a lot about how much we support our veterans and our military, and this is a way to continue that support," Sgt. Holman remarked.
She discovered the service through Facebook and expressed her commitment to ensuring that no veteran is ever laid to rest without the presence of compassionate individuals paying their respects.
"I think we all need to feel like there’s someone that’s going to be there for us... nobody should be buried alone," Sgt. Holman said.
As Sergeant Cannon was laid to rest, community members united in the hope that he knew he was no longer unaccompanied, but in the good company of his comrades in arms. The touching display of community support serves as a reminder of the enduring gratitude and solidarity owed to those who have served their country.