Today's #VeteranSpotlight celebrates the life service of Vietnam Veteran Patrick Kelly who currently serves at Riverside National Cemetery as a part of the Unclaimed Veterans Service. Patrick was born & raised in Riverside and comes from a long line of Military service. I am honored to sit down and learn more about his service and what inspires him to continue serving at Riverside National Cemetery.

Patrick Kelly served in the US Army during Vietnam from 1969-1970. Patrick was assigned to an Artillery Unit as an ammunition Truck driver along the DMZ hauling ammunition & powder for a year. He went to the base in Oklahoma where he trained men going to Vietnam.

After Retirement he volunteered at the Air Museum across the street from Riverside National Cemetery until he heard about the Unclaimed Ceremony held at the National. Soon after he began attending the Unclaimed Veterans Ceremonies from 2006-2010. Since Patrick was known to have computer skills the teams running the Unclaimed Ceremony, asked if he could help get the list of names every month for the Unclaimed. This turned into him reading the names and organizing the ceremony for the teams. Now he has been serving and helping with the Unclaimed for the last ten years.

Patrick then joined the Cemetery support committee that helps the Cemetery to raise the funds for repairing the grounds and the monuments. He has been involved with cleaning up the Medal of Honor Memorial and the POW MIA memorial. This group is also in charge of organizing the Veterans Ceremony and the Riverside Orchestra for the big events held at the Cemetery.

If you would like to come and meet Patrick Kelly he continues to serve at the Unclaimed Ceremony that happens every third Wednesday of the Month at Shelter "G" at 9am. This is free and open to the public.

Thank you for supporting our Military & watching this #VeteranSpotlight

@Darkisleproductions
Filmed: Riverside National Cemetery
Music & Film: Darkisleproductions
Bagpipe Music: Army Caissons, America the Beautiful and God Bless America