Sarasota National Cemetery To Honor 3 Veterans Without Families

SARASOTA, FL — If you plan to be in the Sarasota area on Wednesday you might want to help honor three U.S. military veterans who passed away recently without family. The ceremony will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery.

Cemetery Director John Rosentrater told Patch that none of the three veterans are expected to have family members in attendance. Last week about 1,500 to 2,000 people turned out to pay their respects to a veteran who didn't have family either.

"This community is so veteran-centric. We are so blessed," Rosentrater explained. He said the greater Sarasota community never fails to turn out for veterans who have simply outlived their family members in many cases.

"There’s just many that come out so always these veterans are honored," he said, adding that the Knights Of Columbus, military groups and law enforcement agencies regularly show support at such ceremonies.

Wednesday's ceremony is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at Shelter B. Look for the sign that says "All Funerals" as you enter the cemetery on the right side and follow directional signs.

If no family members are present, ceremonial flags will be presented to an honorary next of kin.

Jeffrey Meyer of A Life Tribute Funeral Care in St. Petersburg told Patch that he regularly works on behalf of Pinellas County to arrange burials for veterans without families.

Some of the veterans are indigent or they die in hospitals or nursing homes with no next of kin on file, Meyer explained. The cemetery provides the marker, liner and casket for veterans without families.

"Usually if a family knows, they don't want their person to be unclaimed," Meyer said. "They want to claim them."

The cemetery is located at 9810 State Road 72 in Sarasota County along State Road 72 and approximately four miles east of Interstate 75.

From Interstate 75, take exit 205 (Clark Road) travel east four miles (toward Myakka River State Park). The cemetery is on the right.

Burial in national cemeteries is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

"Every person has their own story," Rosentrater added.