Senator Parker Honors Our Fallen Heroes

Contact: Ricja Rice ‌‌‌‌‌| rrice@nysenate.gov | 518-455-2580 ph |518-426-6843 fax

For Immediate Release: June 13, 2012

  Senator Parker Honors Our Fallen Heroes

Veterans Cremains Bill S.1469 Passes the Senate

(Albany, New York) Today Senator Parker passed another bill in honor of our fallen heroes.  Senate Bill No. 1469 makes it possible for not-for profit veterans organizations to dispose of unclaimed veterans remains respectfully and honorably.  In 2010 Senator Parker’s legislation was signed into law which allowed for funeral directors, undertakers and funeral firms to honorably dispose of unclaimed cremated remains of veterans.  This bill is the missing link.

“This year I am hopeful that the Assembly passes this important piece of legislation and that the Governor signs it into law,” stated Parker. “Millions of Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice by risking their lives to defend this country through military service. This law shows the pride we have in our veterans, and reminds them that the people of New York are appreciative of their service,” continued Parker (D-21).

Just this past Friday, June 8, 2012, the Times Union ran an article on woodworkers crafting urns for veterans’ unclaimed remains. There are still many unclaimed cremated veterans’ remains that are sitting on the shelves of funeral homes, crematoriums and other facilities throughout the country. Cremains of veterans from World War I to the Vietnam era in New York and other states have been unable to be interred because the veterans had no known family members to claim them.

“Veterans who have defended our country deserve the dignity of a proper burial complete with proper military honors,” said Senator Parker. “It is my hope this legislation will ensure that none of our fallen heroes will be forgotten.”

About Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse community that consists of 311,000 constituents in Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park. He is the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, former Majority Whip and Chair of the Democratic Task Force on New Americans.

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