Edward Pearson died on August 31. He was an 80-year-old veteran from Naples, Florida who had no known family members. Fearing he wouldn’t deserve the final farewell that he deserved a social worker approached Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services and asked for help.
“One of our ways of giving back to the community of Naples is we offer free funeral services to any indigent or homeless veterans,” funeral director Michael Hoyt told CNN.
The public was invited to attend Pearson’s funeral.
While the news quickly spread online and many said they would attend, no one could be certain how many would show up on October 1, the day Pearson was to be laid to rest.
On October 1, hundreds of cars lined the road to Sarasota National Cemetery, where Pearson’s service was scheduled to take place.
It was a turnout no one could have predicted, then again it was hardly unbelievable that so many people showed up to pay respect to an American hero.
https://twitter.com/USARepublic1/status/1178961261998030853
Pearson served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1964. Before he was honorably discharged in 1964, he reached the rank of private first class. After leaving the Army, he worked for Marriott Hotel Services Inc.
Hundreds have shown up at Sarasota a National Cemetery for the funeral service of #EdwardPearson #veteran pic.twitter.com/w3w9AO9Q3I
— Carlos R Munoz (@ReadCarlos) October 1, 2019
At his funeral on Tuesday, he received full military honors. He also received a hero’s farewell.
Some estimates suggest that several thousand showed up to pay their respects to Pearson.
Over a Thousand have now shown up at #SarasotaNationalCemetery for the funeral service of #EdwardPearson #Veteran #Sarasota @HeraldTribune @gotoPRpros #HTNewsNow #HTNews #ThankYouForYourService#VeteransofAmerica pic.twitter.com/46CCkhmRhZ
— TBenderPhoto (@tbenderphoto1) October 1, 2019
The funeral, which did not follow a set program, featured those who knew Pearson and those who were there to support a fellow veteran.
For those who could not attend a live stream was provided.
WATCH: Hundreds of people attend a veteran’s funeral in Sarasota, Florida, after learning he had no immediate family.
Edward Pearson, who died at age 80, served in the Army from 1962-1964.
"No comrade should ever be left behind," a fellow veteran says.https://t.co/mcsr6qmAmK pic.twitter.com/7RLFmdERgc
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 1, 2019
Following the funeral, many took the opportunity to personally honor the veteran.
The ceremony saluting #Florida veteran Edward Pearson is now over. Some people headed straight for the exits. Others lined up to say a personal farewell and touch his urn — a brief personal connection between strangers. #VetsFarewell pic.twitter.com/lbQRrQKnh4
— Craig Pittman (@craigtimes) October 1, 2019
It makes me so happy that so many people showed up to honor a veteran.
I hope the same can happen for any other veteran in the same situation.
Share this to spread the heartwarming news and to let others know that we should show veterans our appreciation while they’re still alive!
