THURSDAY: Deal ensures proper burials for vets (3:47 p.m.)

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August 7, 2008

Anonymous The Niagara Gazette Thu Aug 07, 2008, 03:47 PM EDT

A new agreement reached by the Erie County Office of Veterans Services, Mount Calvary Cemetery Group and the Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County will provide indigent veterans with a burial free of charge.

Under the arrangement, Erie County will identify indigent veterans in need of a burial and have their cremated remains buried in the Veterans’ Cemetery at Pine Lawn Cemetery, said Erie County Executive Chris Collins.

“Sadly, some Erie County veterans end up dying without savings or strong family connections,” Collins said. “Despite their personal circumstances, all veterans deserve the honor of a proper burial and memorial. This new collaboration will ensure just that.”

Patrick Welch, director of Erie County Office of Veterans Services, said his office handles handles dozens of cases involving indigent veterans each year.

“Unfortunately, some veterans never receive the help they need and end up passing away without proper funeral and burial arrangements in place,” Welch said.

Even though government services provide for the cremation of indigents, the only federal cemeteries for burial are located far from Western New York, said Robert Wutz, Jr., president of Mount Calvary Cemetery Group.

“We feel strongly that veterans deserve to be buried near their home,” Wutz said. “Therefore, Mount Calvary Cemetery has developed a dedicated Veterans’ Cemetery at Pine Lawn Cemetery specifically for cremated remains of indigent veterans, as well as all veterans.”

Jewish veterans will be buried at local Jewish cemeteries in keeping with their faith and tradition through Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County, said President Marlene Schillinger .

“Veterans have given so much to this country and it is only appropriate and fitting that we all do our part to make sure every veteran is buried with the honor and dignity they deserve,” Schillinger said.

Contact reporter Daniel Pye at 693-1000, ext. 158.

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