Resolution 24

Identify, Honor And Inter Unclaimed Cremated Remains Of Veterans

Submitted by: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission

WHEREAS, The American Legion is an organization of war veterans who have dedicated themselves to the service of the community, state and nation; and

WHEREAS, Veterans have served our country and, as such, deserve to be buried with honor and respect; and

WHEREAS, Since July 17, 1862, veterans have been buried with honor in National Cemeteries; and

WHEREAS, Unclaimed cremated remains of veterans are languishing on the shelves of funeral homes and crematoriums; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Missing In America Project (MIAP) is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations; to provide honor and respect to those who have served this country, by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes; and

WHEREAS, MIAP does not retain the human resources to adequately fulfill the mission it has started and would like The American Legion’s help and support; and

WHEREAS, Local Legionnaires can assist in locating and identifying the abandoned cremated remains of veterans across the nation and obtain the documentation on cremated remains left unclaimed at funeral homes in their local area; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 9-10, 2007, That The American Legion support the mission of the Missing In America Project in locating and identifying the unclaimed cremated remains of veterans and securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.