Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Veterans who die alone still receive the final farewell they are owed.

Camp Butler National Cemetery Friday honored “unclaimed veterans” Terry Lee Furbeck and Terry Lynn Kitchen with a gun salute, Taps, prayers, and the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders.

“There are many veterans who die alone or linger unburied because of family situations or other circumstances,” said Christopher Webster, the cemetery’s director. He quoted President Lincoln in describing this mission: “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.”

Webster continued, “This ceremony renews our commitment that every veteran has a family to witness his or her final salute. We are their brothers and sisters and will solemnly vow that we will honor their memory now and forever.”