Erie County Announces Indigent Veteran Burial Program

August 7, 2008

Public, private collaboration will provide dignified memorial free of charge

Erie County Executive Chris Collins announced a new collaboration between the Office of Veterans Services, Mount Calvary Cemetery Group and the Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County to provide indigent veterans with a proper burial free of charge.

Under this collaboration, Erie County will identify indigent veterans in need of a proper burial. These veterans will have their cremated remains buried in the Veterans' Cemetery at Pine Lawn Cemetery. In keeping with Jewish faith and tradition, Jewish veterans will be buried at local Jewish cemeteries.

"Sadly, some Erie County veterans end up dying without savings or strong family connections," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "Despite their personal circumstances, all veterans deserve the honor of a proper burial and memorial. This new collaboration will ensure just that. I want to acknowledge Patrick Welch, Director of Erie County Office of Veterans Services, for working tirelessly on behalf of local veterans and for the vital participation of Mount Calvary Cemetery Group and Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County."

"Each year my office handles dozens of cases involving indigent veterans," said Patrick Welch, Director of Erie County Office of Veterans Services. "Unfortunately, some veterans never receive the help they need and end up passing away without proper funeral and burial arrangements in place. This local collaboration guarantees that indigent veterans will receive an honorable, local burial regardless of their financial situation."

"While government services provide for indigent cremation, the only Federal cemeteries for burial are located far from Western New York," said Robert A. Wutz, Jr., President of Mount Calvary Cemetery Group. "We feel strongly that veterans deserve to be buried near their home. Therefore, Mount Calvary Cemetery has developed a dedicated Veterans' Cemetery at Pine Lawn Cemetery specifically for cremated remains of indigent veterans, as well as all veterans."

"We are providing this service at no cost to the veterans, along with the free marker provided by the government," continued Wutz. "All soldiers need to have a final home, a dignified memorial and a place to be remembered."

Our organization is committed to providing any Jewish indigent veteran with a proper burial at a local Jewish cemetery," said Marlene A. Schillinger, President of Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County. "Veterans have given so much to this country and it is only appropriate and fitting that we all do our part to make sure every veteran is buried with the honor and dignity they deserve."

Please visit www.erie.gov/veterans for more information on Erie County Veterans Services.