Fort Campbell soldiers, representatives of local and regional VFW’s, and the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders gathered with members of the community Friday morning at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West for a committal service to honor a Vietnam veteran.
It was believed that 73-year old Michael Hardin had no surviving family members until his daughter was discovered about 7 a.m. Friday—two hours before the service—according to cemetery Director Richard Stevens.
She and a few other loved ones of Hardin were in attendance and received the American flag at the end of the service.
Stevens officiated and noted Hardin served in the United States Army for over a decade and was the recipient of a Purple Heart.
He says the large crowd shows that Hardin’s service to his country is appreciated.
Dan Bondurant is captain of the Kentucky Patriot Guard Riders and says they will attend the funeral of any veteran when invited by the funeral home and it is especially important when they believe there will be no family in attendance.
Representatives of the Hopkinsville police and fire departments were also among the hundreds there to honor the service of Michael Harden to his country.
