SEE IT: Unclaimed’ Navy veteran honored by standing room only funeral turnout

March 11, 2026

From Fox News: Community members and fellow veterans gathered Tuesday morning at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery to lay Lonnie D. Wayman, a U.S. Navy veteran with no known family, to rest with full military honors, FOX 17 Nashville reported.

In a country that promises to honor those who serve, the turnout made clear that “unclaimed” does not mean forgotten.

Wayman had been listed as an “unclaimed” veteran, officials said, after no relatives came forward to claim his remains. Organizers invited members of the public and veterans groups to attend the 9 a.m. burial at the Nashville cemetery so he would not be laid to rest alone.

A Veterans Affairs (VA) representative told those gathered that the word “unclaimed” did not fit what was unfolding before them.

Wayman may have had no family to lay him to rest, but he had a host of people who cared and honored him for his service to the nation. Veterans and community members filled the sanctuary, with some even standing in the back and spilling outside the church.

More people still coming pic.twitter.com/01E5qCdMdr

— Cabot Phillips (@cabot_phillips) March 10, 2026

Below is a video of the short but touching ceremony, as a priest delivered remarks, and prayed. Outside, after the service, the ceremony concluded with doves being released near the flagpoles.

A U.S. Navy veteran with no known family will be laid to rest Tuesday in Nashville with full military honors. 🇺🇸

Lonnie D. Wayman’s service is set for 9 a.m. at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. The public is invited to attend and help ensure the unclaimed veteran is… pic.twitter.com/IJaKZYolwg

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) March 9, 2026

“…today, we are able to claim our honorable veterans.” 🇺🇸

Community members gathered in Nashville to honor unclaimed U.S. Navy veteran Lonnie D. Wayman with full military honors at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

A priest delivered a short sermon, and the service… pic.twitter.com/Fy5edxoUyY

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) March 10, 2026

Prominent X user Angelheart wrote, “Rest in peace, “Tennessee Veteran”, its because of heroes like yourself, we have the freedom to do what we do. May God take you in His arms and comfort you – Amen 🙏🏻🇺🇸🫡”

“Today is a perfect reminder that not everyone is fortunate to have family and friends. Reach out to your family members while you still can. You never know when today might be their last.”

Rest in peace, “Tennessee Veteran”, its because of heroes like yourself, we have the freedom to do what we do. May God take you in His arms and comfort you – Amen 🙏🏻🇺🇸🫡

Today is a perfect reminder that not everyone is fortunate to have family and friends. Reach out to your… pic.twitter.com/sl96deRdR9

— Angelheart 🕊’Earth’s Angel’🕊 (@45Angelheart) March 10, 2026