Operation Unknown Soldier

Acadiana Chapter 141 in Lafayette, Louisiana, participated in funeral services on April 28 for the unclaimed cremains of ninety-two adults and thirteen babies that had been stored at the Lafayette Coroner’s Office. That number included at least eight veterans.

Interment ceremonies were conducted by the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, St. John the Evangelist Parish. A wake was held prior to the service.

Residents of the Lafayette Homeless Shelter, many of whom are veterans, served as pallbearers. The Acadiana Chapter of the Louisiana Patriot Guard also took part in the services.

The intent of this project was to acknowledge the value and dignity of every human life and to show the homeless—and those who feel forgotten—that the community cares for its neighbors. Nobody will go unclaimed in Lafayette.

Chapter 141 President Charles Norman folded a memorial flag with the help of members Ed Conti, John Redden, and John Rougeau. The flag was placed in a case donated by Chapter 141 and presented to the church.

Karen Fontenot is a life member of Acadiana Chapter 141. She served in the Air Force Medical Corps during the Vietnam War.