Louisville Army veteran with no known family laid to rest with honors, community support

RADCLIFF, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville native and U.S. Army veteran with no known family was laid to rest Monday in Radcliff — but he didn’t go alone.

Dozens of strangers, veterans and families turned out at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central to honor Army Spc. Aaron Chest Jr., who served in Japan during the 1970s.

Chest had no next of kin, so Fort Knox officials and veterans groups posted on social media inviting the public to attend the committal service. The response was swift and heartfelt.

“Being in the reserves, being an American — it’s just an honorable thing,” said Joshua Maciel, who brought his young sons to the service. “I want my boys to see things that matter, and that’s why we came out.”

The military ceremony included full honors, a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps. Service members stood at attention, saluting one of their own.

“It’s a band of brothers, like the book,” said veteran Dick Ardisson. “We’re all part of the same team. After they pass on, we still need to respect them.”

Cynthia Chamberlain drove from Elizabethtown after learning about the service online.

“I know nothing about that person, but I’m certain they served honorably — otherwise this ceremony wouldn’t be happening,” she said. “It means a lot to be able to show that no veteran is ever forgotten.”

Chest was buried at a cemetery that holds more than 11,000 graves — 8,000 veterans and 3,000 of their spouses. Kentucky residency is not required to be buried there.

Specialist Henriette Holder, another veteran with no known family, is scheduled to be buried at the same cemetery Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

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