Eagle Point, Ore., — 91-year-old Harold Baker died about two weeks ago, but without family or friends to attend his burial, the people at Chapel of The Valley in Grants Pass took it upon themselves to make sure he gets the proper honors he deserves.
“Mr. Baker is a really funny man. We did a lot of joking and a lot of laughing.”
Leila Bradish met 91-year-old World War II veteran, Harold Baker, a few weeks before he died to make sure his burial was what he wanted, but when he died two weeks ago, no one at Chapel of The Valley could find any family or friends.
“We said, you know what, lets make sure Mr. Baker gets the honors he deserves even though we can’t locate any family.” said Bradish.
That’s when she called in others from around the Rogue Valley.
The Missing In America Project will lead in the procession as well officiate the ceremony.
“It honors me, it humbles me, it touches me way down in my heart, it’s an honor to be able to do this.” said Gene Flannery, the M.I.A.P Chaplain.
The Old Guard Riders will help escort the procession from Grants Pass to Eagle Point and hold a flag line during the ceremony.
“Gets you right in the heart, really does, but makes you proud to stand there, hold the flag for them, and at least represent some sort of semblance for them because they don’t have anyone there who knows them, or loves them.” said Patrick Allen, an Old Guard Rider.
The Navy Honor Guard and the Grants Pass Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct flag and gun salutes.
“It’s been really heart warming because I really feel like our community and nation wide that had this response doesn’t just honor this veteran, but all veterans.” said Bradish.
The procession will start at Chapel of The Valley in Grants Pass on Thursday at 12:45 pm and will end here at the Eagle Point National Cemetery at 2 p.m.
The public is encouraged to come.
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