Hundreds Turn Out to Honor Navy Veteran Who Would Have Been Buried Alone
Military.com reported that a funeral service for Jeffrey Kalnas, a U.S. Navy veteran, was held in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, after word spread locally that he would otherwise be buried alone. The service, officiated at First United Methodist Church West Pittston, drew hundreds of residents, veterans and community members who came to ensure Kalnas received public recognition for his military service.
West Pittston Borough Secretary Kendra-lee O'Brien-Rogers told Military.com that the borough itself did not organize the event but pointed to community and veterans groups that stepped in.
"The borough was not directly involved in this event," O'Brien-Rogers said, adding that the service was officiated by the West Pittston United Methodist Church and supported by members of The American Legion, including Commander Ron Gitkos of West Pittston American Legion Post 542.