Nearly 100 attend committal service for 3 fallen unclaimed veterans
Honors delayed are not honors denied, thanks to many citizens, businesses, and veteran's groups from Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Lockport, Lemont and many other communities. The effort was organized by Jackie Glueckert of the Glueckert Family Funeral Home in Arlington Heights.
Three veterans; Joseph M. Neven, US Army (served in Korea), George Edward Kratt, US Navy, and Jerry D. Lowe, were honored with full military honors and their remains placed in the columbarium at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, on Wednesday, June 24. Rev. Fr. Matt Foley, Pastor of St. James in Arlington Heights, who served as a US Army Chaplain, completing four tours of duty in Afghanistan presided at the committal service.
The cremated remains of the three veterans had been unclaimed dating to as far back as 1983. Veterans who have earned an honorable discharge also have earned the entitlement of entombment or inurnment at a National Cemetery. Mr. Neven, Mr. Kratt, and Mr. Lowe earned those benefits along with full military honors. The Glueckert Family initiated the contact with the National Cemetery to ensure these veterans received the full measure of their earned benefits when family was unavailable to do so.
"It is amazingly fulfilling and truly inspiring to see so many people offer to help honor these veterans. It simply proves that when we say we will never forget the service of our men and women in uniform, we mean it," said Jackie Glueckert. Adding, "there are so many wonderful people to thank from our community, other communities, businesses, veterans organizations, this was truly such a team effort."
The Glueckert Family wants to cite and thank the following people, businesses and organizations for their important contributions to honoring our veterans: Greg Padovani, who accepted the flags on behalf of the people of Arlington Heights for the flag presentation, Warrior Watch and Patriot Guard Riders of Illinois who led the procession to the committal shelter. Both groups worked together for a Standing Flag Line for all 3 committal services. Village Bank and Schaumburg Bank, Norma Ahlstrand, chartered a bus to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Mike Del Pizzo, Handmade urns, donated an urn for each veteran and shipped them from Florida, Jan Simonson and a friend provided musical accompaniment, Urban Garden donated beautiful flowers.
The following veteran's groups and service organizations are legendary for their attendance and assistance: VietNow, Veterans Helping Veterans, VFW Lockport Chapter as well members from many other chapters, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus, representing many councils and posts. Other individuals and groups represented in attendance were equally appreciated. When it comes to the people who wear our nation's uniform; it takes a nation.
About Glueckert Funeral Home, Glueckert Funeral Home has served Arlington Heights and the northwest suburban Chicago communities since 1970. In their second generation of family ownership and operation, the funeral home offers a full range of funeral, cremation and memorial services. We maintain 4 spacious memorial chapels, 2 comfortable lounges and abundant parking. For information about pre-planning, imminent need or immediate need, contact us at 847-253-0168, orwww.glueckertfuneralhome.com