Joseph Walker was considered an “unaccompanied veteran” when no friends or family came forward after his death in November, but the Vietnam-era U.S. Air Force vet’s funeral was far from empty. Through the use of social media, the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery crafted announcements of the funeral plans and invited anyone who wanted to pay their respects. Many were surprised when crowds showed up in mass with some attendees reporting numbers reached over 1,000 guests.
Fellow veterans and active members alike, as well as everyday men and women of all backgrounds, paid their respects to Walker who served in the Air Force between 1964 to 1968 before being honorably discharged, NPR reported. Guests also included motorcycle groups like the Wind Therapy Freedom Riders and more.
A huge crowd turns out for Air Force veteran Joseph Walker who had no family of his own to honor his life and service to his country. #veteran #airforce #kvue #unacompaniedveteranburial pic.twitter.com/0T1S0WPGqO— Scott Guest (@ScottGuest67) January 28, 2019
“No veteran should be buried alone.”
After the funeral home of #AirForce veteran Joseph Walker feared no one would attend his burial because they could not get in touch with family or friends, the central #Texas and military communities came out in full force to honor him. ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/3RNNYFbfw4— Paul B. Livengood II (@IamLivengood) January 28, 2019
About 40-50 people have gathered this morning to ride out to Air Force Veteran Joseph Walker’s funeral. The Wind Therapy Freedom Riders are holding a safety meeting before getting on the road. Many veterans and riders from different organizations are here today. pic.twitter.com/7RHVndIPgK— Jay Wallis (@KVUEJayWallis) January 28, 2019
Car lines for the funeral stretched down the road as many flocked to thank Walker for his service.
Joseph Walker Plenty of support for this VET. Proud of you VETRANS!! pic.twitter.com/9el9sELBfJ— john kurzyniec (@JohnKurzyniec) January 28, 2019
The customary folded flag often presented to families of the deceased veteran was given to and accepted by Texas State Veterans Cemeteries representative Douglas Gault, who helped spread awareness of the funeral’s procession on social media.
“I was blown away of what I saw [at the service],” Gault told CNN. “It’s just a good feeling that came through my body… This is beautiful.”
According to NPR, Walker’s funeral was fashioned as a military ceremony due to new policies pushed forth in 2015. Before the change, veterans who died without family were not guaranteed formal recognition for their military service at the funeral. However, federal law now dictates that all efforts will be recognized.
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