Thirteen veterans with no known living relatives were buried with military honors at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on February 17, 2022. Cemetery personnel invited residents of the Ark-La-Tex area to attend a military ceremony for these veterans, because no veteran should be buried alone. The 13 veterans represented every branch of the military except the Coast Guard.
Hundreds of people from three states arrived at the outdoor ceremony during a severe thunderstorm, lightning, and driving rain. Attendees included local military families, Patriot Guard Riders, Disabled American Veterans, VFW chapters, the Buffalo Soldiers, representatives from Barksdale Air Force Base, and heritage societies including Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of 1812, and the Colonial Dames. Local residents Cindy Madden, Vice Regent of Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and Jerry Madden, American Legion Vice Commander, attended in memory of their son Josh.
The memorial service was conducted by cemetery director Don Howard and Chaplain Matthew Tisby. The inspirational song Amazing Grace was sung by Carol Chartier.
Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery appreciates the following groups for ensuring these veterans were honored with dignity: LDVA, NLVC Foundation, Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, Fire District 4, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Overton Brooks Veterans Hospital, US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Marine Corps, Louisiana Army National Guard, Patriot Guard Riders, DAV Chapter 20, American Legion Post 6, and VFW Post 4588.