Homeless WWII Veteran Dies With No Family, So 200 Strangers Showed Up At Her Funeral

When Maj. Jaspen Boothe received a call that a homeless WWII Veteran would be buried without any living family, she knew something had to be done. Boothe took to social media, posting in Veterans groups, hoping to honor the late Serina Vine with a show of solidarity.

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Incredibly, when Boothe–who is also a veteran and was once homeless–arrived at the graveside service on June 7th, she found cars backed up half a mile and over 200 Veterans and their families waiting to pay their respects. She thought for sure that there was some other event going on, but everyone was there for the late Serina Vine.

“It was like a pinnacle moment to show how veterans come together for veterans,”Boothe said. “We are connected through our service and through our sacrifice. Look around now, she has 200 or so family members. As long as you’re a veteran you have friends and family everywhere and you’re never alone.â€

Veterans and active service members from all branches of the military showed up to honor the hero. Thirty volunteers arrived early to wave small American flags as Vine was carried from the hearse to her final resting place. A marine color guard also honored her with a 21 gun salute as she was lowered into the earth a bugler played Taps.

Image of Serina Vine. Via Community Living Center

According to the Washington Post, Vine served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946 performing radio intelligence operations. “She lived in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Living Center in Washington since 1995, when she was found homeless on the streets and suffering from dementia. Little else is known about her life,” reported Colby Ikotwitz.

Below is the touching moment when Boothe kisses the casket of WWII veteran Serina Vine. It’s a moment and story that is inspiring people all over the country.

Independent UK

Share this beautiful story of honor and solidarity to inspire the same in your friends.