Hundreds Attend Wantagh Funeral For Vietnam Vet With Purple Heart

WANTAGH, NY — Hundreds of people attended the funeral service Thursday for a Vietnam veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart and two bronze stars for his service. Fred Haag died Saturday at age 72 after a battle with cancer.

A handful of family members were expected to attend his funeral Thursday morning at St. Frances de Chantal Roman Catholic Church in Wantagh, his niece Tina Flaherty told Patch earlier this week. The family opened up his funeral to the public for those who wished to attend, and the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce encouraged community members to attend the funeral, calling Haag a "hero."

On Thursday, Flaherty said more than 300 people attended the service, including police officers, veterans and members of the community who wanted to show their support. Several police horses were also in attendance.

When she arrived at the church, the parking lot was packed. There were so many people, she thought there must have been a funeral finishing up before Haag's. But they were there for him.

"The church was full," Flaherty said. "They had to bring out more bread and wine because there wasn't enough. It was incredible."

Flaherty was blown away by the support.

"You really get your faith back in mankind," she said. "It was so touching. I was so happy because I felt like he really deserved it."

The service included a performance of "Taps," a bugle call played at military funerals. And while most didn't know him, military members paid their respects to Haag.

"He had a Purple Heart and they really respected that," Flaherty said. "They admired that and wanted to give their condolences."

Haag, who grew up in Brooklyn, was drafted into the Army at 19. He served from 1966 to 1968 in the 1st Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment as well as the 197th Infantry Brigade.

He was a sharpshooter, and at one point during the war was shot in the elbow.

At his funeral, many non-military folks who didn't know Haag or his family approached Flaherty and said they'd read his story on Patch and wanted to make sure he had people at his funeral.

"Somebody made me a picture on a canvas of a purple heart," she said. "I guess they painted it last night. Another stranger brought me a cake. I was so shocked."

Flaherty thanked the community for their support, as well as the church for going above and beyond for her uncle. She said Haag would've been pleased with his service.

"He would have been so happy," she said. "I can picture him in heaven. So happy."