3:01

In Portland, Oregon, Willamette National Cemetery offers a diginfied burial to all war veterans who pass away. But unknown to most persons, each day at 3:01 an honor guard holds a lonely ceremony to honor deceased war veterans buried there. Most often this honor guard is the only persons in attendance with empty chairs for the public or for families of deceased most often left empty.

129,813 veterans are buried in this cemetery. There are usually around 200 or more veterans a month who are buried there as WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans continue to age. Often more than 60 veterans a month are buried that only have the honor guard in attendance. Even if a veteran dies alone, broke, and without a friend in the world, still this honor guard honors their service to this country and they are buried with the utmost of respect.

Our veterans deserve no less than this respect for their selfless service to our nation. God bless them all.