I came across an article today in the Minneapolis StarTribune that carried a Washington Post byline.  You can read the article here and it pertains to an agreement that was reached between the National Park Service and the Missing in America Project.  The Missing in America Project says that their purpose is to identify and inter with dignity unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans.

The article points out that over the years, the National Park Service which administers the Vietnam Veterans Wall Memorial has taken possession of over 80 cremated remains left at the wall.  According to the article, the cremains, as well as other artifacts left at the wall, are eventually gathered and stored in the Park Service’s large Museum Resource Center in Maryland.

The Missing in America project says that the remains collected by the National Park Service will be handed over to them and they have made an arrangement with a private cemetery to donate an underground vault where all the remains will be placed with full military honors.

Funeral Director Daily take:  I’ve been to the Vietnam Veteran’s Wall a couple of times and seen all the letters, boots, and other items that have been left there.  I guess I never wondered what became of them.

I know a lot of Vietnam Veterans and it breaks my heart to know that some cremains were left at the wall.  However, I also know enough about many of these guys to know that it is probably what they wanted – to be with those with whom they served.  They have carried around a lot for a long time.

While I am happy the Missing in America project is doing this, I would like to have them wait with the committal until they know for sure that these unidentified remains cannot find a resting place in one of America’s hallowed national cemeteries.

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