Frances Turley, a past national president of American Gold Star Mothers, stands in for the family and accepts the flag at the funeral of Harry J Wieser, a forgotten WWII Veteran.

Turley’s son Army Sgt. Francis E. Cortor, died at age 22 in 1969 while serving his second tour of duty in Vietnam. He was eventually buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, but Turley did not get to accept his flag in a military ceremony. “I couldn’t do it for my son, so I do it for this man,” she said. “He deserves an honorable burial.” The flag was destined for a veteran’s group or a school in Wieser’s name.

Dignity Memorial network of funeral homes, cemeteries and crematories with over 1800 providers nationwide in their outreach to the community sponsors a Homeless Veterans Burial Program. The Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Ocala Florida reached AGSM headquarters to inform us of this service. The director, Bob Roche wanted us to know that this mission is not taken lightly and the providers that have been chosen for this program undergo intensive training.

If you would like to know more about this program, visit www.dignitymemorial.com. Or you may call Bob at (352) 622-8181.

If any AGSM members in other areas would like to become involved, please call the same number for Bob and he will have someone from the respective committee contact you.