(COLORADO SPRINGS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, originally classified as an unclaimed veteran, was laid to rest on Tuesday morning, surrounded by hundreds of community members and his son.

On Tuesday, March 27, a crowd and an unexpected family member gathered to say one last goodbye to U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jim E. Van Hoose Jr.

“As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, we come out and hold the flag line and make sure no one’s buried alone,” said Todd Miller, who found out about the service via social media.

“Today, we had a great turnout, which is great. Years in the past, sometimes it’s only us out here. I wouldn’t want to be in that situation myself, you know, it could have been me,” said Miller. “So as a member of the PGR, I come out just to represent and show that we care and to honor their service before they’re interred.”

Initially, Van Hoose was deemed an unclaimed veteran. Unclaimed status occurs when a veteran dies and no family is known or can be located to come forward and claim the remains. In those times, the community is encouraged to serve as the veteran’s family by showing up at the funeral and paying their respects.

In a twist of events, Van Hoose’s son, Shawn, was able to attend the service on Tuesday. Shawn said he initially found out about the service on Monday night while he was in Salem, Oregon. Shawn told FOX21 News he was surprised by the community’s turnout and was anticipating it to be a small ceremony with few in attendance, instead of the hundreds that showed up.

“It’s important that we honor our veterans, but also that we support their families and recognize the sacrifices that they have made, you know, during the course of their veteran’s service, and make sure that they’re supported as much as possible,” said Steve Hayes, an American Legion commander and Navy veteran. “It’s an important part of our saying farewell to a fellow veteran.”