Posted on 11/17/2015 3:04:19 PM PST by PROCON
INDIANAPOLIS - Over 1,000 well-wishers have turned out for the funeral of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who died with no family to plan his final arrangements.
There was an overflow crowd at the Lawrence United Methodist Church Tuesday morning for the funeral of Billy Aldridge. He died last month at the age of 80 at a local nursing home.
When WTHR shared Mr. Aldridge's story on our Facebook page, the response was overwhelming, with thousands of Facebook fans sharing the post and commenting.
Legacy Funeral Home asked the public to help give him a dignified funeral. Turnout is far greater than anyone imagined with many veterans attending in uniform, lots of public safety officials and a good number of people simply touched by Billy's story.
Melanie Jones tells me she's here "because he reminded me of my dad. He was in a nursing home too. But my dad had family, Billy didn't."
It's been a very powerful tribute.
Brig. Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin, Executive Director of Indiana War Memorials, delivered the eulogy. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The Indy Metropolitan Military Honor Guard will provide military honors.
Ping
Yes, thank you for your service.
I thank God every night for our wonderful men and women in our armed forces.
They are the bravest of the brave.
Thank you, patriots.
Thank you, Indianapolis.
Thank you and RIP, Marine. Semper Fidelis.
SALUTE to the PGR!
Rest in Peace and thank you for your service & devotion to our country.
RIP
RIP
Just lost a 97 year old WWII vet from our church this week. Funeral tomorrow in the rain. Elder family members need prayers
RIP
The headline is wrong. The Veterans claim him.
Suddenly my screen is blurry.
Mine too. I feel like the United States Marine Corps is the last holdout of honor left in our land. I know the other branches have good people but Marines stand out.
Many of people of this land have hearts of gold. They dont reflect the sorry weak corrupt government we have.
R.I.P.
Ping.
True Americans claim him. RIP Brave One.
RIP - thanks for sharing Jet...
RIP
Billy Aldridge, USMC
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