BEAUFORT, S.C. () — A final farewell was held for a Vietnam veteran who never got one in life.

Horrell White, an unclaimed United States Army veteran was laid to rest in Beaufort’s National Cemetery today, but he wasn’t alone.

“In this moment, we are right to be here, and he’s deserving of a proper burial in these hollow grounds,” said a Lady’s Island Baptist preacher, who led the committal. “In the words of a grateful nation, farewell soldier, farewell.”

After prayer, the solemn “Taps” song rang through the cemetery grounds, creating high emotions for the folks in attendance.

White’s unclaimed service didn’t fit into the traditional sense. His family could not claim him due to unavoidable circumstances.

Over a hundred strangers made up of civilians, service members and fellow veterans stepped in to fill that role.

“It’s a solemn event.  It’s the worst day that families witness here, and we are honored to be here to represent the Patriot Guards and to give them a little respect and dignity and honor that they deserve,” said Ray Giuliano, the ride captain for the Patriot Guards.

The ceremony was organized with the help of groups like the Patriot Guard Riders, who said paying respect to fallen veterans is their duty no matter the circumstances.

Jorge Guerrero, a Marine Corps veteran also showed up to pay his respects.

“We’re from all walks of life. We come from every state in the union and we we’re around each other like we were raised together.  I think that’s kind of what does it,” said Guerrero. “I think it’s an obligation that we feel we have to one another to show up.”

Showing up is an owed respect that fellow veterans said White deserves, and they know if he could somehow find words, he’d be honored to have a crowd of support, and a sense of union again.

“I hope all he would say is thank you. You know, but I think he would say, ‘I got you in formation again’,” said Guerrero as he laughed.

“We can tell him, ‘You witnessed hell, now witness heaven,’ and he would just smile and say thank you. Vietnam veterans, they were men of a very few words, but they’re very thankful,” said Giuliano as tears rolled down his face.