Veterans Funeral Service

He was pleasantly surprised at the result.Instead, strangers and veterans turned out in droves for the World War II veteran's graveside service at Graceland Memorial Park and Mausoleum.Samuel L. Schwartz, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served during World War II, passed away on April 2 at the age of 94. His graveside service featured military honors.Linton knew Schwartz didn't have any living family members that could come to his funeral, so he put out an open invitation."I was just overwhelmed," Linton said. "This is a fantastic turnout. I was hoping we'd have a dozen people."Among the attendees were members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who provided a line of American flags for Schwartz's casket to be carried through; members of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard, who carried out the customary three-volley salute; and active duty U.S. Marines, who folded and presented the American flag that draped Schwartz's casket.Schwartz met his wife, Elaine, in the service, according to his obituary. During the war, Schwartz was part of the American force that took and held at least four islands in the South Pacific, the obituary stated.After his military career, he began a successful retail career in Grand Rapids. He ended up earning the high-level positions with two different companies, including president of Zondervan's Bible-publishing consumer group. His full obituary can be read here.While he was glad that people came out to honor Schwartz's life, Linton also said that the invitation wasn't just about his friend. He stressed the importance of people spending time to befriend and get to know their elders."A lot of people have Sams in their lives," Linton said. (MLive.com)