The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDDVA) Cemetery Program hosted a dignified burial ceremony to honor and pay respects to five unaccompanied veterans. An unaccompanied service means that the veteran’s family members would not be present at their burial service. Veteran Service organizations, veterans, active-duty service members, local legislators, community organizations, as well as the general public were invited to attend. Janice Chance, Gloria Crothers and Jeanette Middleton Sudano represented the Maryland Chapter. Jeanette was accompanied by her children Olivia and Hunter. Truckin4Troops founder Scott Mallory and his son Travis also joined us for the ceremony. Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs George Owings III officiated the ceremony. The following Veterans received Final Honors:
Name/Service/Rank/Dates of Service
Mark V Kissal/Army/CPL/5-10-51 – 5-9-53
James H Hansen/Air Force/A1C/10-3-63 – 7-6-67
Bede L Clark/Army/SGT/10-8-1917 – 6-8-1919
Willis A Smutz/Army/SGT/10-7-43 – 8-12-45
Harry A Hinderer/Army/TEC 5/8-28-43 – 12-18-44
The promise” Never to Forget” the selfless service and sacrifice of our Heroes was kept. Approximately 200 people attended the ceremony.
