A member of the Kern County coroner's office, when confronted with two indigent veterans and no next of kin, declined to merely bury them in pauper's graves. Instead, they were laid to rest at Bakersfield National Cemetery with full military honors.
Over 100 attended the funerals, even though no one knew the deceased. Military honors were offered, including "Taps" and a 21-gun salute. News of the funeral was even in the local paper.
As the honor guard carrying the casket moved by, civilians put their hands over their hearts and veterans in attendance saluted. Flags and flowers were also brought in abundance by the attendees.
