A suburban Indianapolis funeral home was packed by over 1,000 members of the public – many strangers- who came to honor a Marine Corps veteran with no known family.
Billy C. Aldridge died in October at the age of 80. WRTV-TV reports that nursing home records don’t include information about relatives and no one came forward to make arrangements.
That’s when Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services put out a call for all patriotic Americans to come give the hero veteran a dignified send-off.
The funeral service, which took place Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home in Lawrence, was reported to be so crowded it was standing-room only. The burial with military honors came at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Legacy used its Facebook page to encourage the public and veterans to attend.
Legacy Vice President Eddie Beagles says “giving this veteran who faithfully served his country a proper burial with military honors is the right thing to do.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story
This makes me proud that so many Americans attended this funeral for someone they did not know but they respected for his service.
It is great to see Americans that show respect for their past and present military men and women there may be hope for America Yet!
I agree it was a Beautiful Gesture for The Fallen Marine to get a proper funeral after all he did fight for his country
‘God Bless him
Joe
I hope he saw his funeral from the otherside without regrets that he is gone. He would be grateful he was honored. True Americans still believe!
A Random Act of Kindness for one of America’s True Hero’s! Simper Fi! Bill Aldridge! And God Bless.
Holding onto the American spirit by respecting our fallen heroes, by loving our country enough to defend her, by standing up for what is just and good, by refusing to believe the lies that we are not a great nation under God is what will bring our country through the hard times ahead. Honoring this forgotten hero is touching indeed. Keep it up America!
We as American never forget our hero. May God keep his soul. Rest in peace!!!
All the people who attended the funeral know in their hearts that this mans sacrifice gave them the freedom they enjoy today. Veterans need to stand with Veterans.
This is what makes America great.
Semper Fi Marine! Ooh rah!
I know damn good and well where my freedom came from and who fought and died or were maimed and disabled to preserve it. We don’t give our vets the life they deserve and have earned. God willing, I will NEVER dis a vet or just blow them off. On the contrary, my habit is to stand and salute them, then thank them if I’m aware I’m facing a veteran.
Once again, thanks to all members of our military past and present. Your willingness to give your life to protect our freedom makes you a great American.
Semper Fi.
rest in peace
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORP. THE GOD SAVERS OF AMERICA, THIS MARINE REPRESENTS ALL THE MARINE VETERANS LIVING AND DEAD, FOR ALL MARINES HAVE THE SAME DEDICATION TO FIGHT AND TO DIE IF NECESSARY, FOR YOU, YES YOU. STAND UP AND STAND OUT PRAY THAT WE ARE STILL AROUND WHEN YOU NEED US. FOR WE WILL AND HAVE GIVEN ALL FOR OUR FELLOW COUNTRYME. GOD BLESS AMERICA CLEAN OUT WASHINGTON AND REPLACE THEM ALL, WITH GOD FEARING MEN THE MARINES ROBERT HOYING USMC. SEMPER FI
God Bless One and All, This Marine is on duty at Heavens Gates.
Semper Fi , he is at home with Chesty!