Unaccompanied Service To Honor 5 Veterans At Washington Crossing Cemetery

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — Military honors will be rendered in honor of five unaccompanied veterans, including one from Bucks County, on Thursday at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown 18940.

An Unaccompanied Veteran is a former service member who passes away with no known next-of-kin, family, or friends to arrange their funeral service.

Scheduled for interment on Thursday are William Chookagian, FN, U.S. Navy, Vietnam, New Britain Township, and Dennis B. Smith, SRA, U.S. Air Force, Springfield Township.

Also honored will be three previously interred veterans: Arthur S. Hughes, HN, U.S. Navy, Vietnam, Camden County, New Jersey; James M. Marhall III, LTC, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Chester County; and Peter E. Pieri, BMC, U.S. Coast Guard, Vietnam, Montgomery County.

During the ceremony, the veterans' names will be read, and the Pennsylvania Military Honors Team will present the flag on behalf of the veterans. A rifle salute and live Taps will be provided. After the ceremony, each veteran will be placed in their own niche in the columbarium.

All vehicles and motorcycles are invited to join a brief escort honoring these veterans. Vehicles should gather in a single line in Cortege Lane 4 at the Administration Building before 2 p.m. A cemetery representative will lead attendees in procession to the appropriate Committal Shelter to ensure an organized and respectful tribute.

The public is welcome to attend. "Your presence ensures that no Veteran is laid to rest without dignity or remembrance."