5 Lansing area veterans whose bodies were unclaimed buried with military honors
AUGUSTA — Under overcast skies, with blustery winds and temperatures barely above 40 degrees, five Lansing area veterans whose bodies were unclaimed upon their deaths were laid to rest with military honors on Friday, Nov. 6. Although officials said no family members of the men were in attendance, more than 100 people witnessed the presenting of military honors at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, just west of Battle Creek, in a ceremony coordinated by Lansing area hospital officials, the National Cemetery Administration and Fort Custer cemetery officials. In all, 14 Michigan veterans were given a proper burial during the ceremony. The veterans from the Lansing area, who all served in the U.S. Army, were Frederick Clark, 77, and Myron Moore, 59, both from Lansing; Thomas Hibblin, 66, from Mason; John Watson, 77, from Charlotte; and Michael Garceau, 67, from Ronald Township in Ionia County. UM-Sparrow officials did not release any additional information about their military service. "With the utmost respect, we now present military honors," David Censke, a member of Fort Custer's Honor Guard, said during the ceremony. Military honors ensued with a three-volley salute, the playing of Taps, followed by flag ceremonies, prompting the crowd to salute in fellowship
