In a spirit of patriotism and benevolence, the San Antonio, Texas, military community made sure Staff Sgt. William Lawrence Sizemore — who passed away recently without a family of his own — was buried with honors and tributes.
None of those in attendance ever knew him personally, according to CBS affiliate KENS.
Like Blanche Dubois, the main character in “A Street Car Named Desire” by American playwright Tennessee Williams, Sizemore, an Air Force veteran, also relied on the kindness of strangers — albeit posthumously.
Sizemore was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. He was 82.
“In the face of so much turmoil in our society right now, what a wonderful picture it was, people coming together out of love for someone they never knew,” said Donna Campbell, Texas state senator from District 25, according to KENS.
Dozens of community members, including veterans of all military branches, turned out to pay their respects to Sizemore, who served in Korea and Vietnam. Sizemore also served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
To be sure, the display of support by members of the military was as moving as it was inspiring, especially in an age when tradition is derided and even scorned.
“He’s an Air Force vet, and I thought it was important that someone be present with him when he was laid to rest,” veteran David Bruce said.
And veteran Louis Irby told KENS, “Especially for a man who didn’t have family, I didn’t want him to go out alone. You’ve got to unite and help each other out.”
Little is known about Sizemore. The Air Force learned he lived in Spring Branch with his wife, Oralia, who preceded him in death.
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“I live in the area where he’s from, and we are going to try to help them find some of the family members so that we can get the flag and shell casings returned to any family that might be there,” said Perry Connel, with VFW Post 8573.
Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels donated all burial services for Sizemore’s funeral.
Elizabeth Economou is a former CNBC staff writer and adjunct professor. Follow her on Twitter.
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