The famous Apache warrior Geronimo is buried at Fort Sill National Cemetery, but recently, all eyes were on a Vietnam veteran named Corporal Charles York, who had no family. They laid him to rest at Fort Sill in Elgin, Oklahoma, and to make sure he wasn’t alone, fellow veterans and Fort Sill staff showed up.
Corporal York served in both the Navy and Marine Corp, but with no known family, there was a worry about who would attend his funeral. So, when he passed away, a call went out on social media to ensure he got a proper send-off.
Oklahomans really stepped up! Veterans, regular folks, and active-duty military from all branches came out in big numbers to honor Corporal York. It was quite a sight, more emotional than your typical military funeral for a family member.
Veteran Billy Hope, who was at Corporal York’s funeral, was amazed at the turnout. He mentioned the touching scene of people lining up on the road leading to the cemetery. Flags were waving, and visitors were putting flowers on Corporal York’s casket. It was a powerful moment to remember a man known by so few.
Hope summed it up, saying, “We have both done funerals for veterans where it’s us and family. So to see this today, people lined up on the road coming into the cemetery all the way here, it’s heart-touching.”
The show of respect for Corporal York, a man with no known family, added a unique chapter to Fort Sill’s history. The funeral, while honoring one brave man, made history by touching the hearts of many living individuals.
“I’d like to think he’s kind of down there smiling down on all of us,” Hope said. “He’s getting the attention he should have always gotten as a veteran who served this country.”
The verse from 2 Samuel 10:12 at the end is a reflection on the occasion: “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”
