JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of people across the region answered a call to help lay a local veteran with no known family to rest.
Frank Burke was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He died in early May and was buried Thursday morning at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Active military members, veterans, and everyday members of the community gathered at the cemetery to pay their respects.
It started with a post on social media by Burke’s colleague at EcoLab in Jacksonville, Joshua Minton. Minton shared that his friend and colleague did not have any known next of kin, and he didn’t want him to go to his final resting place alone.
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“I was hoping for maybe 30, 50 people,” Minton said. “Seeing this brought me to tears. Just to see how many people came together. He was a good guy, he stuck up for what was right.”
Echoing that sentiment is Mitch Garcia, who was also a colleague at EcoLab. He explains the two were more than colleagues, they were close friends. In fact, he says Burke was like a father to him.
“He was like Dad to me, he always supported me,” Garcia said. “I’m the only one bringing him food because he was the only one in the house. And suddenly I didn’t see the truck anymore. I told my supervisor, ‘something’s wrong’. Every week I was there to visit Mr. Frank.”
The ceremony at the JNC was brief, but deeply meaningful. The American flag was draped over Burke’s casket. “Taps” was played in his memory, and several prayers were read aloud. Tom Rowley is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. Members of the group were on hand to pay their respects. Rowley is retired from the United States Navy.
“Our motto is ‘we stand for those who stood for us’,” Rowley said. “It’s such an honor to be here today, especially for this fallen member who didn’t have any family. So, we’re his family today.”
Rich Possert, Chairman for the Veterans Council of Duval County, read a sacred ritual.
“When the call of our country was heard, Comrade Frank answered,” Possert read aloud. “Self was forgotten, for the cause of the greater good.”
Possert said when one of their own is in need, the military community comes together. He says that’s a promise they make the second they take their oath.
“When you’re deployed, when you’re in harm’s way, your family isn’t there with you,” Possert said. “So, your family is your shipmates, your platoon buddies, your battle buddies, if you will. We come together as a family when there is no family.”
Burke’s friends said they’re still working to locate his next of kin.
Until they are found, they say they will continue honoring his memory.
To learn more about the Patriot Guard Riders, visit this website.