Press Release

On Friday, Sept 23 at 10 a.m. Council President Darrell Clarke, along with the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission and the Philadelphia Veterans Parade (PVP), held a ceremony outside the Municipal Services Building (MSB) to call attention to the PVP Honor Processional for the eventual internment of the unclaimed remains of deceased Veterans at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Both Councilman Clarke and Congressman Bob Brady, longtime supporters of Veterans, emphasized the importance of showing support for the men and women who voluntarily serve our country.

Declaring that “Veterans take care of Veterans”, the PVP partnered with the Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission to ensure that 27 Veterans are laid to rest with respect and dignity. Among them there are two that earned Silver Stars and one Purple Heart recipient.

Funeral Director Brian Donnelly of the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W Donnelly Funeral Home teamed with PVAC Executive Director Scott Brown last year and agreed that every Veteran should be honored properly when the time comes. Donnelly placed each of the demised ashes in a unique urn and then positioned them inside the casket draped with the American Flag. Additionally, Donnelly created a unique tapestry emphasizing that Veterans take care of Veterans.

Members of American Legion-Latin American Post 840 provided the Color Guard and Vietnam Veterans of America Post 266 provided the Honor Detail who stood guard by the casket during the ceremony.

Other participants included: Terry A. Williamson, PVP president; George Ginder, PVP vice president; Greg Whitney WCNC director and members of the PVP Honorary Committee, including Judge Renee Caldwell, Hughes, CEO of the Red Cross of Eastern PA, and District Attorney Seth Williams.