A World War II veteran with no living family members got the funeral he deserved Friday thanks to the efforts of 27-year-old Beth Regan, who befriended him at his Yorktown nursing home.
Bob Graham, 97, was a decorated Marine, and was like a grandfather to Regan. When he died on April 12, Regan was determined that her friend get a hero's farewell.
Through social media, she was able to spread the word about Bob, and the response was overwhelming. Hundreds of people showed up to pay respects to a man they never knew.
"He was such a special person. His life was so incredible and his story really spoke to so many people's hearts,” says Regan. “This is really a touching tribute and sendoff for an incredible man."
The Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society attended, as did hundreds of veterans, police officers and ordinary people who came out to honor an American hero.
Bob Graham was laid to rest next to his beloved wife Rosie at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.