A Nationwide Memorial Initiative
Thousands of American veterans rest in unmarked graves — their names unknown, their sacrifices unrecognized. Operation Final Salute exists to find them, honor them, and ensure they are never forgotten again. Veterans list coming soon.
Our Mission
Across the United States, an estimated 20,000 veterans lie in graves without a government-issued headstone. Many served in wars that shaped this nation. Many have no surviving family to advocate for them. They are not statistics — they are individuals who answered the call.
Operation Final Salute is a nationwide effort to identify these veterans, document their service, and work with families, historians, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, American Legion, and the VFW to ensure each one receives the recognition they earned. Sadly, our government feels this is not a pressing matter. Meeting with members of our Senate, Congress, and local government has generated feelings of resolution without results.
300+ in Reno County, KS
Veterans without headstones
2,000+
Veterans identified to date
0
Headstones placed
Among the Forgotten
These are a few of the veterans we have identified. Each one served. Each one deserves to be remembered. *Full veterans list coming soon.*
U.S. Army / 3rd Regt. WAC T. C.
1909 – 1947 · Reno County, Kansas
Private Mease served in WWII from August 1943 through the middle of September 1943. Full military honors were given Pvt. Mease at her funeral - she was the first black woman to ever received such recognition.
U.S. Army / Co. C 43rd Inf.
1888 - 1927 · Reno County, Kansas
William L. Swingle was a WWI veteran who had spent his time since dismissal from the army in government hospitals. While overseas he was gassed badly and never recovered from the effects. Although completely helpless and confined to his bed, he was an enthusiastic worker for the American Legion.
Union Army
1849 - 1912 · Reno County, Kansas
Col. Gardner was born in Nashville, TN, on a plantation. In order to win his freedom he enlisted in the Union Army and stayed through the war's end. He came to Kansas in 1865 and became a trusted and loveable custodian for many well known corporations.
The Process
Families, historians, and volunteers submit records of veterans believed to be buried without a government headstone. We verify service records through the National Archives and VA databases.
Each veteran's service history, burial location, and family connections are carefully documented. Their story is preserved in our permanent registry so it is never lost again.
We work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to apply for a government-issued headstone or marker. When placed, a formal ceremony is held to honor the veteran by name.
"He never asked for recognition. He just did what was right. We owe him at least a name on a stone."
— Daughter of a WWII veteran, Harlan County, KY
Do you know a veteran who may be buried without a headstone? Submit their information and we will do the rest.
"Their names shall not be lost to time."