‘Thank you’: WWII veteran gets military honors at funeral, family credits community
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Everyday, we see the greatest generation fade further away as the few remaining WWII veterans reach the end of their lives.
Confusion over the government shutdown almost led to one of those veterans not getting the military honors he deserved at his funeral.
The family of Private First Class Florencio Davila were told that because of the government shutdown, their grandfather wouldn’t get the military funeral he wanted.
PFC Davila served his country in World War 2 and spent his live after the war leaving a lasting impression on those around him.
“He was the strongest man I’ve ever known an I thought that he could do anything, and I truly believed that he could overcome anything,” said Sonya Guerrero, PFC Davila’s granddaughter during the service at the funeral home.
A strength that lasted 99 years before he died and that is why his family was upset when he almost didn’t get his final wish, to be given the military funeral he earned for his service in WWII.
WEB XTRA: Final interview with Central Texas World War II veteran Florencio Davila
“For many years, we would take him to the veteran’s parade and seeing my dad salute the flag, and what it meant to him, made me very proud of him,” said Irie Cuevas, PFC Davila’s son during the service at the funeral home.
Thankfully, they were able to get ahold of Fort Hood officials and make sure he was buried with honors.
Honors made even bigger with folks like the Patriot Guard Riders acting as honor guard after hearing that a WWII vet was having issues with his funeral.
“I got a message from the nephew of Mr. Davila,” said Holly Melendez, Deputy State Captain, Central Texas Patriot Guard Riders. “He sent me the article about the service not having an honor guard and he got me in touch with the next of kin and we talked. They asked us to come out here and honor him with the flag line.”
It was something they were proud to do.
Especially their Deputy State Captain who has taken a trip to Normandy to see the sacrifices WWII vets had to make.
“It’s a whole new meaning for me because I saw what the WWII veterans like Mr. Davila did for the world and this country, and it’s an honor to be here for him,” said Melendez.
Seeing the community step in to help honor their loved one has been a blessing to the family and they want to make sure the community knows that.
“My dad proudly served, and he would be very proud of you all,” Irie Cuevas, PFC Davila’s Son. So, thank you all for everything and we will pray for your families that your loved one would get the honors that are due them. Thank you so much and may God bless you.”
Private First Class Florencio Davila was buried with the honors he earned for his service in WWII.
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