John Rich was among those who attended the funeral of US Navy Veteran Donald Harlow on Wednesday (Jan. 8) at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
Harlow, who was also an outdoorsman and craftsman, passed away on December 27, 2024. Prior to Harlow’s memorial service, his family reached out to the local Nashville community, asking if anyone in the area would be able to attend as only a few members of the family were able to make it.
In a Facebook post that went viral, Harlow’s great-niece, Claudia Kearn-Gomez, wrote, “Unfortunately, he was very old and the last of his friends.” She shared that her heart was breaking, knowing “no one will be there” when her great uncle was laid to rest, and she asked if anyone would be able to attend the funeral to honor him.
Local veterans groups and community members, including John Rich, got word of the situation.
“To my friends in Middle TN…please see below…I’m checking my schedule right now to try and be there. Hey @VFWHQ can we raise a group of Vets to attend this Navy Veteran’s funeral?,” Rich shared earlier in the week.
Department of Tennessee, Veterans of Foreign Wars urged people to “show up in force and show support for Harlow, writing, “Navy Veteran with very few surviving friends or family – He needs US!”
The calls for support were answered on Wednesday morning when hundreds of people gathered to pay tribute to the late Navy veteran.
“Thanks to all the Patriots who came out to honor US Navy Veteran, Mr Donald Harlow, at his funeral today. We thank him for his service, and our thoughts are with his family,” Rich shared alongside a video that showed cars lining the roads of the cemetery.
He later added, “No Veteran should ever be buried alone.”
According to other social media posts, Rich’s Big & Rich partner, Big Kenny, also attended Donald Harlow’s funeral.
Following the services, Harlow’s great niece returned to social media to thank the community for showing up to honor him.
“We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support and would like to extend our gratitude. Thank you to my Coast Guard community and peers for sharing the information and leaving a lasting impression. I did not expect the post to resonate with so many people and I’m so grateful,” Kearn-Gomez wrote. “Today, well over 300+ individuals attended the gathering to honor his memory. We are so grateful for the turnout and the outpouring demonstration of love. Thank you.”
Many who were unable to attend shared heartfelt messages on his obituary page.
John Rich is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Military. He often donates funds to Folds of Honor in support of veterans and their families.
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