ST. ROBERT— Across the United States, the unclaimed remains of America’s heroes lie waiting in funeral homes for someone to either claim them or give them a proper burial.
Unfortunately, for organizations looking to bury those who fought for their country, there were obstacles. Many funeral homes worried, rightfully so, about litigation that might arise at a later date should they release the remains to those not authorized to take them.
Under legislation written by Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, that obstacle has been cleared. House Bill 111 provides protection to those who release remains to organizations for the purpose of paying proper last rites.
In front of several members of the American Legion Riders Post 331, Day was recognized for his efforts. Missing In America Project (MIAP) National Operations Coordinator Linda Smith was on hand to thank Day for his contribution to a noble cause.
“Throughout the nation, there’s thousands of veterans that no one has ever claimed, and they’ve been sitting on shelves, in wet basements and in funeral homes,” Smith said. “This (HB 111) is a huge step for the Missing In America Project in Missouri. We want to thank you for all your help and work.”
The MIAP is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to recover veterans remains and give them a proper burial. All persons thought to be veterans are checked with the Department of Defense to ensure their prior service.
To date, the MIAP has located 571 remains and buried 387.
“It was news to me and I found out later it was news to the entire Missouri Assembly that there were unclaimed veterans’ remains in funeral homes across Missouri,” said Day, who also serves as the House Veterans’ Committee chairman. “The funeral homes were very supportive of this because they do want to make sure these veterans receive a proper burial.
“But I think this bill is a perfect of example of what we should be doing in Jeff City,” Day continued. “And that is the right thing.”
Thanking Smith, who is from Dixon, for bringing his attention to the problem, Day said, “If those folks don’t deserve a proper burial, by God, who does?”
Then, turning his attention to the room full of veterans, Day said, “There is no way in this nation with words or deeds that we could ever thank you for what you’ve done.
“But that doesn’t mean we should ever quit trying.”
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ST. ROBERT— Across the United States, the unclaimed remains of America’s heroes lie waiting in funeral homes for someone to either claim them or give them a proper burial.
Unfortunately, for organizations looking to bury those who fought for their country, there were obstacles. Many funeral homes worried, rightfully so, about litigation that might arise at a later date should they release the remains to those not authorized to take them.
Under legislation written by Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, that obstacle has been cleared. House Bill 111 provides protection to those who release remains to organizations for the purpose of paying proper last rites.
In front of several members of the American Legion Riders Post 331, Day was recognized for his efforts. Missing In America Project (MIAP) National Operations Coordinator Linda Smith was on hand to thank Day for his contribution to a noble cause.
“Throughout the nation, there’s thousands of veterans that no one has ever claimed, and they’ve been sitting on shelves, in wet basements and in funeral homes,” Smith said. “This (HB 111) is a huge step for the Missing In America Project in Missouri. We want to thank you for all your help and work.”
The MIAP is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to recover veterans remains and give them a proper burial. All persons thought to be veterans are checked with the Department of Defense to ensure their prior service.
To date, the MIAP has located 571 remains and buried 387.
“It was news to me and I found out later it was news to the entire Missouri Assembly that there were unclaimed veterans’ remains in funeral homes across Missouri,” said Day, who also serves as the House Veterans’ Committee chairman. “The funeral homes were very supportive of this because they do want to make sure these veterans receive a proper burial.
“But I think this bill is a perfect of example of what we should be doing in Jeff City,” Day continued. “And that is the right thing.”
Thanking Smith, who is from Dixon, for bringing his attention to the problem, Day said, “If those folks don’t deserve a proper burial, by God, who does?”
Then, turning his attention to the room full of veterans, Day said, “There is no way in this nation with words or deeds that we could ever thank you for what you’ve done.
“But that doesn’t mean we should ever quit trying.”
