Hundreds Turn Out For NJ Army Vet's Funeral: Reports

Bonnie Bell just wanted someone to be there for Robert Grala. Grala, a U.S. Army Veteran with no known family, died of natural causes on Jan. 13, 2019, at the age of 70. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970, according to county officials. He served in Korea during that time.

He had no family, so Grala was scheduled to be buried in Potter’s Field, until Bell stepped in, according to nj.com. Potter's Field is a burial ground for unknown and indigent people.

Grala was known and loved by those who cared for him in his adult life, and Bell contacted the Gloucester County Clerk’s Office and made them aware of his military history, according to the report. And thanks to her efforts, hundreds of people turned out for Monday's service.

The Gloucester County Veterans Advisory Council agreed to pay for the opening and closing of the grave, and the Vets Helping Vets account paid for the setting of the headstone, which was provided by the federal government, according to county officials.

County officials also asked the public to come out and honor the decorated veteran, who earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

"No one should be laid to rest alone, and although Mr. Grala has no known family, he was part of the military family," Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said when the county asked the public to come out last week. "His time on earth and in the service mattered, and we have been reaching out to veterans' organizations to help spread the word of his burial."

Read more here: NJ Army Veteran With No Known Family To Get Full Military Funeral

Between 200 and 300 people turned out for the funeral. Bell was Grala’s nurse at the now-closed Guardian Adult Medical Day Care Center. She told the Courier Post he would have been proud but embarrassed by the turnout.

Scout and veterans groups identified themselves during a roll call, and Pastor Keith Reed thanked everyone after thinking only five or six people would turn out for the service.

"It is wonderful to see that honor and loyalty and faithfulness are things we still hold onto in this country," he said, according to the Courier Post.