Civil War Veterans Finally Laid To Rest With Honors

In this photo provided by The Valley Breeze, Civil War re-enactors fold an American flag near an urn, center, containing the cremated remains of Byron R. Johnson, a Union soldier who was born in Pawtu

After years of being stored in a funeral home and cemetery in Seattle, the cremated remains of 28 American Civil War veterans have finally been given a proper burial service with military honors. The Missing In America Project, dedicated to locating and interring unclaimed veterans, identified these veterans as Union soldiers through genealogical research.

Most of the veterans were buried at Washington’s Tahoma National Cemetery in a traditional service reminiscent of Civil War times. The 4th US Infantry Regiment dressed in Union uniforms, musket volleys were fired, and the crowd sang patriotic songs. Each veteran was honored with their name and unit called out before being laid to rest.

These veterans had diverse backgrounds - some were wounded in combat, others fought in significant battles like Gettysburg and Stones River. One veteran even survived a gunshot thanks to his pocket watch. The burial service aimed to provide closure, although no living descendants were found.

Reburials of Civil War veterans are not uncommon, with communities often turning them into major events to honor these forgotten heroes. Some remains are found in funeral homes, while others are discovered on battlefields or by dedicated re-enactors.

Veterans honored with military honors and traditional burial services.

Missing In America Project locates and buries unclaimed Civil War veterans.

Diverse backgrounds of veterans include wounded soldiers and survivors of significant battles.

While most reburials are met with respect and gratitude, some, like the discovery of soldiers at the Manassas National Battlefield, have sparked controversy. Despite challenges, organizations like the Missing In America Project continue their mission to ensure veterans receive a proper burial.

One such veteran, Byron Johnson, was buried with military honors in his hometown of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. His story, pieced together by local officials, highlighted the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives in the Civil War.

These reburials serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the importance of honoring those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. The efforts to lay these veterans to rest reflect a deep respect for their service and a commitment to preserving their memory.