More than 2,000 people packed into Patriots Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery Tuesday afternoon. Each person came to say ‘goodbye’ and salute Edward Pearson.
The Army veteran died Aug. 31 at the age of 80.
The Naples resident had no immediate family, but the funeral director had a plan to give Pearson one last amazing honor: An open invitation to the public.
“I stayed awake all night long the first time I heard this on the news. I said, ‘That’s not right. That’s a shame.’ I made a vow to myself and said I will be there as a veteran myself. No comrade should ever be left behind. Never,” said a man named Bob who spoke during the service Tuesday. “It broke my heart. And that he was going to be laid to rest with nobody around. To me, that’s not right. No veteran man or woman should ever have to have that happen to them,” he said.
‘Shop With a Cop’ Sends Less Fortunate Kids on Mini Christmas Shopping Sprees With New Police Pals
The iciest moments of 2025: The 5 political feuds that froze Washington
A Growing Share of British People Are Returning to Religion – But Not Christianity
Trump lists accomplishments, says ‘Radical Left Scum’ are ‘failing badly’ in Christmas message
It’s Easy to Lose Hope, but Twitter/X Has Gotten Massive Victories We Never Would Have Gotten in the Past – and Even More Wins Are Coming
How US troops celebrate Christmas abroad
Here Are Some New Trump Tax Breaks That Could Give Republicans an Advantage in the 2026 Midterm Elections
The biggest political events of 2025
UFO secret files, drone swarms and nuclear-linked sightings stun experts in 2025
Pictures: You Might Have Missed the Brand New Trump Portrait That Came With the WH Christmas Directions
Notorious Raccoon That Raided Liquor Store Makes Headlines Again – It Turns Out He’s a Serial Offender
Comedians who took on the US culture in 2025
Trump’s five most controversial pardons of 2025
Scavenger hunts, Christmas mass, Cajun-fried turkey: Capitol Hill’s favorite holiday traditions
Nearly 20 states sue HHS over declaration to restrict gender transition treatment for minors
They came from around the state and beyond to remember the Army veteran from Naples.
The Naples resident didn’t have any friends or family to bury him. Legacy Options Funeral Home in Naples posted an obituary for Pearson.
The line, “This veteran has no immediate family. All are welcome to attend,” captured the attention of the nation.
“People on the highway were saluting, motorcycles were joining in as we made our way up from Naples to Sarasota. It was a little overwhelming,” said Funeral Home Director Michael Hoyt.
‘Shop With a Cop’ Sends Less Fortunate Kids on Mini Christmas Shopping Sprees With New Police Pals
The iciest moments of 2025: The 5 political feuds that froze Washington
A Growing Share of British People Are Returning to Religion – But Not Christianity
Trump lists accomplishments, says ‘Radical Left Scum’ are ‘failing badly’ in Christmas message
It’s Easy to Lose Hope, but Twitter/X Has Gotten Massive Victories We Never Would Have Gotten in the Past – and Even More Wins Are Coming
How US troops celebrate Christmas abroad
Here Are Some New Trump Tax Breaks That Could Give Republicans an Advantage in the 2026 Midterm Elections
The biggest political events of 2025
UFO secret files, drone swarms and nuclear-linked sightings stun experts in 2025
Pictures: You Might Have Missed the Brand New Trump Portrait That Came With the WH Christmas Directions
Notorious Raccoon That Raided Liquor Store Makes Headlines Again – It Turns Out He’s a Serial Offender
Comedians who took on the US culture in 2025
Trump’s five most controversial pardons of 2025
Scavenger hunts, Christmas mass, Cajun-fried turkey: Capitol Hill’s favorite holiday traditions
Nearly 20 states sue HHS over declaration to restrict gender transition treatment for minors
The service was temporarily delayed while traffic issues resolved. Hoyt described how they got to the cemetery.
“It was like the parting of the seas. The motorcycles went down the middle and everybody pulled to the side and we came through with the hearse and the urn,” said Hoyt.
One social media post brought together strangers who uplifted one another and gave a veteran the farewell he deserves.
“If Ed where here today and saw this for him today he would laugh, cry and salute.” He’s been our neighbor for the last several years. He was a wonderful man and he deserves everything that happened for him here today. Thank you,” said a woman.
Sarasota National Cemetery holds services for veterans without any family or friends on a weekly basis.
If you’d like to find out more information about how you can attend contact Sarasota National Cemetery at (941)-722-7200.
A small look at the crowd at Patriot Plaza. There’s easily more than a thousand people here. The service has been delayed. We are told traffic is backed up on Clark Road and the interstate @FOX13News #Sarasota pic.twitter.com/gyH1FLvPtt
— Kim Kuizon FOX 13 (@kkuizon) October 1, 2019
Story cited here.
