Despite dying without any known living relatives, Stephen J. Morrison, a 65-year-old Navy veteran, will be laid to rest with full military honors on Wednesday in Wichita, Kansas, thanks to the efforts of community members and organizations.
As the sun rises on Wednesday, August 17, 2023, the community of Wichita, Kansas, will gather at Resthaven Cemetery to pay their respects to Stephen J. Morrison, an unclaimed Navy veteran who passed away last month. Despite having no known living relatives to mourn him, Morrison will receive a dignified and honorable funeral service, thanks to the unwavering support of community organizations and volunteers.
Born in 1958, Morrison served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1977. Sadly, he died alone on July 7 of this year, leaving behind no known family members to claim his remains. Moved by his story, the Dignity Memorial's Homeless Veterans Burial Program stepped forward to assist with his funeral arrangements, partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Resthaven Cemetery to ensure that he receives the recognition he deserves.
Community Rallies to Honor Unclaimed Navy Veteran, Stephen J. Morrison
The public is warmly invited to attend Morrison's funeral service, which will commence at 10 a.m. at Resthaven Cemetery. Following the service, his casket will be escorted to the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield by volunteers from the American Legion Riders from Mulvane, where he will be laid to rest permanently.
Mark Hansen, manager of Resthaven Cemetery, emphasized the importance of honoring veterans like Morrison, who have sacrificed so much for their country. "For these guys and gals, it means a lot," Hansen said. "They come back and sometimes face hard times, whether it's substance abuse or financial difficulties, and they don't have the resources to get back on their feet. It's the least we can do to help them out and give them the honor they deserve."
Community Rallies to Honor Unclaimed Navy Veteran, Stephen J. Morrison
Although Morrison's funeral will be a solemn occasion, it will also be a celebration of his life and service. The community's outpouring of support for an unclaimed veteran serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring those who have served our country.
In a time when division and indifference seem to be prevalent, the story of Stephen J. Morrison offers a beacon of hope. It demonstrates the power of community and the enduring legacy of those who have fought for our freedom.
Community Rallies to Honor Unclaimed Navy Veteran, Stephen J. Morrison
As we gather at Resthaven Cemetery on Wednesday, let us not only mourn the loss of one of our nation's heroes, but also let us celebrate the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our country. By honoring unclaimed veterans like Stephen J. Morrison, we honor all those who have fought for our freedom and remind ourselves of the true meaning of community.
