That’s how you honor our veterans.
As those who served our country get older, they often outlive their friends – and their own family. But no veteran who put their life on the line for our country should have to go to their final resting place without being celebrated for a life well lived.
Recently, a woman posted to a local Nashville Facebook group after the passing of her great-uncle, a Navy veteran named Donald Harlow who passed away on December 27 at the age of 88.
According to his obituary, Harlow was a “proud veteran” who served in the Navy with the Sixth Fleet before completing his service and going on to an incredible career as a craftsman and “seasoned tool and die designer.”
But at the age of 88, Harlow was survived by very few family members, including his brother and three nieces and nephews.
So his great-niece put out a request to the community, asking anyone who was interested to come to his funeral:
“My grandfather and mom are the only ones who are going to the funeral since unfortunately he was very old and the last of his friends. It breaks my heart ot hear how upset my grandfather is knowing no one will be there. Is there anyone in the Nashville, TN area who would possibly be interested in going to his quick funeral at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. It would mean the world if even one person showed up for him.”
Well her plea caught the attention of country music star John Rich, who is well-known for his support of our military and veterans and promised to be there if he could:
To my friends in Middle TN…please see below…I'm checking my schedule right now to try and be there. Hey @VFWHQ can we raise a group of Vets to attend this Navy Veteran's funeral? https://t.co/0AMk1S3XMB
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) January 5, 2025
The plea went viral here in Nashville, being picked up by the media and the local VFW.
So today, at 11:00 AM, hundreds of mourners arrived at the Veterans Cemetery to pay their final respects to a man who put his life on the line for our freedom.
True to his word, Rich was able teo make it to the funeral, and video from the scene showed that he was far from the only one, as cars lined the street inside the cemetery. And Rich even brought along a friend: His Big & Rich partner, Big Kenny, joined him to pay his respects too.
John shared his thanks for all those who showed up:
“Thanks to all the Patriots who came out to honor US Navy Veteran, Mr Donald Harlow, at his funeral today. We thank him for his service, and our thoughts are with his family. No Veteran should ever be buried alone.”
Thanks to all the Patriots who came out to honor US Navy Veteran, Mr Donald Harlow, at his funeral today. We thank him for his service, and our thoughts are with his family. No Veteran should ever be buried alone. @USNavy @mattmurphyshow pic.twitter.com/mSbd7E5Vcc
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) January 8, 2025
The online guestbook was also filled with hundreds of messages from people who couldn’t make it to the service in person, but wanted to thank Harlow for his service and send their well-wishes to his family for a life well lived.
It’s heartwarming to see our community still able to come together to honor those who gave up so much for our country. As Rich said, no veteran should be buried alone. And thanks to many in the Nashville area, Donald Harlow was given the respect he deserved as he was laid to rest.
