(WKYT) – Raymond Cox Jr., a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and had no family at the time of his death, was laid to rest Monday morning at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, surrounded by Patriot Guard Riders and fellow military members who came to ensure he was not buried alone.
Cox Jr. served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He died at the VA Hospital in Lexington.
‘Leave no man behind’
Sterling J. Mounce, a Marine veteran from Stanford, said the group’s presence came down to a simple principle.
“Leave no man behind,” Mounce said.
Mounce said he had never met Cox Jr. but felt a duty to attend.
“I don’t know the man but he needs somebody to stand and show respect,” Mounce said.
Joe Fletcher, also a Marine veteran from Stanford, described the bond shared among those who served.
“We are a band of brothers,” Fletcher said.
Riders who answer the call
David Arnold, assistant state captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, has been conducting ceremonies like this one since 2009.
“It’s pretty emotional sometimes,” Arnold said.
Navy veteran Steven M. Larson said attending the service carried personal meaning.
“I can only change places with Raymond — someday I’m gonna meet my demise and in fact I may outlive all my family and I think that I’d be honored to have another veteran attend my service like I am his,” Larson said.