COLUMBIA, S.C. — A local Korean War veteran was laid to rest Friday at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. At the time of his passing, his remains were unclaimed, but veterans alongside Dunbar Funeral Homes made sure he received a proper burial service.
Private First Class Robert Hysner died in December at 95. After his passing, the Sumter County Coroner's Office searched for living relatives but found none.
"When they sign up, and they put their name on that dotted line, they're signing away service to our country," said William Lynch, the director of the Dignity Memorial Homeless Veteran Burial Program. "In our view, through this program, the least that we can do is serve them in their death. they served us in life so we're going to serve them in death."
Lynch's program works with Dunbar Funeral Homes to give unclaimed veterans a proper burial service. On Friday, they did that service for Hysner, a U.S. Army veteran, to give him one final honor.
"It comes and shows respect for our fallen brothers and sisters and not let them know that they're going alone, that somebodies here to see them on their way," said Ed Hogue, a U.S. Army veteran who attended the service.
Other veterans shared the honor of being a part of the service.
"When you step on these hallowed grounds and see you all the other officers and branches comes together, it's just heartwarming," said Ginger Graham, another U.S. Army veteran at the funeral.
Hysner is now buried in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery alongside other fallen men and women who served the country.