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A Salute to the Final Mile: Recognizing Team Efforts

VA staff, Veterans, and members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association gathered to salute one last time.
VA staff, Veterans, and members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association gathered to salute one last time during a final mile ceremony for an unclaimed Veteran.
By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist

Gainesville, Fla. – On December 18th, the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) Chaplain Service held a Final Mile Flag Presentation to recognize the services and organizations who dedicate their time and resources to the Final Mile ceremonies.

The Final Mile Ceremony demonstrates VA’s commitment to ensure that no Veteran goes to their final resting place alone. Executive Health System Director, Wende Dottor, established this final salute to our fallen unclaimed Veterans to be carried out by NF/SGVHS for years to come. 

NF/SGVHS conducted 6 Final Mile Ceremonies during 2024, with the assistance of, Decedent Affairs, Police Service, Center for Development & Civic Engagement Service, Public Affairs, Chaplain Service, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, multiple law enforcement agencies, and the Jacksonville and Bushnell National Cemeteries. 

Chaplain Melvin Lane recognized internal VA services and community partners. “We would like to recognize some of our Community Partners who have collaborated with us for the past three years in these meaningful events, Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.”

“Though in their last years, these six Veterans were without any biological family, VA Staff and visiting Veterans gathered on those somber days to pay tribute to the fallen. We proclaimed that our Veterans were no longer unclaimed. We committed then, and remain committed now, to render our fallen Veterans the dignity and the honor that is due them,” said Lane.

Chaplain Lane recognized both internal services and community partners by awarding them with an American flag, symbolizing the deep appreciation NF/SGVHS has for their unwavering support and dedicated service to Veterans and their families.

We look forward to the continuation of this meaningful ceremony, uniting communities and offering solace to those who have served our nation. Together, we will ensure that every Veteran receives the honor and respect they deserve, now and in the years ahead.