'A Final Thank You': 100 Attend Burial For Unclaimed WWII Vet After Urn Found In Home

ELWOOD, IL — They didn't know him, but that didn't matter.

They didn't have much notice—they made it work anyway.

After a call for support from local veterans, roughly 100 people attended the Tuesday morning burial of a World War II veteran whose cremated remains were found in a recently sold home.

Tech 3 Harry Levin was laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood Tuesday, as strangers stood in solemn tribute at Shelter C.

An urn containing Levin's remains was discovered by the new owners of a home in an undisclosed location, according to Cathy Welch, Sergeant at Arms with the Auxiliary of Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977 in New Lenox.

The homeowners turned over the urn—which was marked with Levin's name—to the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Darien, where officials worked to find any next of kin. As of Monday, no known relatives had been found. Welch contacted Patch to share news of Levin's burial, in hopes of drawing attendees to it.

It worked, Welch said. She estimates that 75 cars and roughly a dozen motorcycles arrived in time to pay tribute to Levin.

"It warmed my heart to see how many people came out to show they cared," Welch said. "We need to always honor and care for our veterans. Our country's strength stands on their shoulders. We owe them everything. To honor them a final thank you is the least we can do. Thank you everyone who came out to do so."

Welch's husband and Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977 Sergeant at Arms Bill said he hopes it serves as a reminder of the need to show respect and appreciation toward other unclaimed veterans.

Bill Welch also serves as Abraham Lincoln National Cemtery Tuesday Squad Leader.

"It was great to see everyone come out for WWII Veteran Tech 3 Harry Levin's service today," Bill Welch said. "I also hope this helps increase participation for the unclaimed veterans group services that we do here each quarter for our veterans who have no next of kin like Mr Levin."

People can follow the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad Facebook page for dates and times throughout the year as well as other events at the cemetery.

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was able to attend today," he added.