News circulating on social media about an unclaimed American veteran being laid to rest yesterday in Tennessee inspired hundreds to attend the funeral of the fallen veteran who had no family of his own. 

Video shows hundreds in attendance with a line of cars still streaming in, all coming to Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on March 10, 2026, to honor the man who had died a hero but with no loved ones to claim him or speak on his behalf. 

The Navy veteran was given a burial that included full military honors in recognition of his service to the United States. And that would have been a solitary event had it not been for hundreds who answered a call on social media. 

Military chaplain Deacon Conrad Donarski, known as CJ from his own military background, led the ceremony and prayed over the casket of Lonnie Wayman, a man he could personally call "friend" after meeting him in hospice care. 

The Catholic deacon who spent 30 years of his own life in the United States Marine Corps. spoke to the crowd gathered: 

“My friends, our true home is in heaven. Christ Jesus gave us the roadmap for that. And as part of the roadmap, he asked us all to pray. And so we pray together ...” 

Voices in unison prayed the Lord's Prayer together before the chaplain continued: 

“Grant to the soul of your servant, Lonnie, a tiny droplet, a cleansing of sin. Release from the chains of death, and an entry into eternal life where he will rest in the bosom of Abraham. This we ask through Christ Our Lord, Amen.”

The chaplain who serves as deacon at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, Tennessee, prayed, "Heavenly Father bless those who have died in the Lord. Let them rest from their labors,” and ended with a prayer most Catholics know by heart: 

“Eternal rest grant them, O Lord, and let perpetual light of your love shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

The deacon, who is also very active in the Knights of Columbus, ended his sermon saying:

“May the love of God and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each and every one of you. Bless you and gently wipe away all of your tears. All of this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” 

Before the casket carrying Lonnie was taken outside, Robert Million, director of the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, told those gathered: 

“I think everyone here knows that when the paperwork came across my desk for Lonnie Wayman, it was marked as an unclaimed veteran, but I say that is incorrect. That is a misnomer. Thanks to the support of our United States military. The good folks at Gupton mortuary, and all the support I see here today, we are able to claim our honorable veterans and provide them the honor and dignity that they have earned.” 

As caretaker of the entire cemetery, Million said, “It's a great honor of mine to make sure these hallowed grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.”

Speaking to the director of the cemetery, Million told the Register: 

“The turnout really showed the support for veterans and it's also a way to get the word out about all the services that are available for all veterans.” 

The casket holding dear Lonnie was brought outside ahead of doves being released.

“How absolutely wonderful,” Deacon Donarski remarked as he surveyed the crowds outside.

“We put the word out, and look what happened. Part of you showed up to say thank you for our freedom. Thank you, Lord, for someone else who served in uniform."

And noticing families with young ones in attendance, the deacon, who also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, said, “Thank you for the example for the next generation. How absolutely wonderful.”

The chaplain then said, “Let us all now pay this person, as well as ourselves, a moment of respect.”

The turnout was providential timing, given this Lenten season, where we are called to remember and honor the dead. To have hundreds come for the funeral of an unclaimed veteran speaks to our call as Catholics following the corporal works of mercy. The outpouring and prayer shared by thousands on social media is a true testimony to the goodness of our own humanity.

As Taps played across the hallowed grounds of Middle Tennessee, Lonnie Wayman entered his final resting place not unclaimed, but with a sea of strangers who, in that moment, became family.

Let us pray that this viral moment continues on, as there are more than 20,000 unclaimed veterans still waiting to be given a proper burial across this great nation of ours, including another one this Friday also in Tennessee: 

Perhaps as we mark 250 years of this great land of ours, we as Catholics can band together and make sure no American hero ever meets their final resting place unclaimed.