One of my favorite movie lines: “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” (No, Sam’s speech is not in the books!)
On Monday, WZTV Nashville alerted the public that the funeral for Navy veteran Lonnie D. Wayman would take place on Tuesday.
Wayman passed away with no known living relatives.
No one should be laid to rest without relatives, but especially our veterans.
WZTV’s post went viral on social media, catching the attention of big-name people who encouraged people to attend Wayman’s funeral.
The funeral took place at 9 AM at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
In true American style, hundreds of people showed off to give Wayman the send-off he and all our veterans deserve.
The people filled up the chapel. People stood against the wall, as others had to stand in the hallway and even outside.
“Look what happened. Hearts showed up to say, ‘Thank you, Lord, for our freedom. Thank you, Lord, for someone else who has served in uniform,” said the Chaplain. “Thank you for the example for the next generation. How absolutely wonderful. Let us pay this person, as well as ourselves, respect in this moment of prayer.”
A Veterans Affairs representative thanked everyone for showing up:
I think everyone here today knows that when the paperwork for Lonnie Wayman came across my desk, it was marked as an unclaimed veteran. But I say that’s incorrect. I say that’s a misnomer. Thanks to the support of our United States military, the good folks at Gupton Mortuary, and all the support I see here today, we are able to claim our honorable veterans and provide them the dignity and honor that they have earned.You know, every day I enter the gates and I see all the marble stones, and I see them as individual badges of honor that were earned through that courage of service and the sacrifices made by our veterans and their loved ones. It’s a great honor of mine to ensure these hallowed grounds are open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. So please feel free to visit as often as you’d like. Office hours are eight to 4:30 Monday through Friday. If there’s ever any questions or concerns, please let me know.Here at the conclusion of the ceremony, we’ll be taking the remains of Lonnie D. Wayman down to section P, where he’ll be placed to rest. We’ll take the staff about 30 to 40 minutes to have his site groomed and ready for visitors, after which you can visit at any time you choose. We are going to conclude our ceremony today with a dove release out here by the flag poles. And again, thank you all for coming and thanks for everyone’s support.
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