Homeless Hero: Former Marine Buried at Arlington
Marine Veteran Rebuilding His Life Gave it to Save Others in Cleveland Fire
Ask anyone who has ever worn the uniform of a U.S. Marine adorned by the coveted Eagle, Globe and Anchor and they'll tell you, "There's no such thing as an ex-Marine".
FoxNews.com reports that Ray Vivier, who served in the Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC during 1965 and 1966, was homeless for a number of years. Struggling with alcoholism, the divorced father of five more recently gained ground over his addictions, landed a job and took up residence at a boarding house, much better accommodations than beneath the Cleveland bridge he had recently called home.
Arsonists that set fire to that boarding house in Cleveland ultimately took Vivier's life, but not before he was able to save five fellow residents. Three others also perished in the blaze, and two suspects have been charged in their deaths.
Ray Vivier's body was unclaimed for weeks. When his identity was finally uncovered and it was learned that he was a military veteran, a search for his family and plans to render him the honors he deserved started unfolding.
Eligibility requirements for ground burial at Arlington National Cemetery are stringent, usually reserved for the highly decorated and their family members, military retirees, among others. In all cases (ground burial and cremation), the deceased's last period of service must have ended honorably. The rules for cremated remains are much more lenient, allowing Vivier's cremains to be inurned at the Columbarium, where the urn was placed by one of his children.
Ray Vivier was put to rest with full military honors as three volleys each were fired by seven Marine riflemen, and the chilling sound of Taps was played by a lone bugler.
Did Ray's training and short period of military service all those years ago have anything to do with his being a hero in Cleveland last November? Maybe, maybe not - but once a Marine, always a Marine.
Ray Vivier - Marine veteran, father, homeless hero - is now home. Semper fi, Private Vivier.
Sources:
http://www.foxnews.com
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org
Published by Marie Anne St. Jean - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
A Top 1000 Content Producer for the last three years, Marie Anne is a retired U.S. Marine MSgt whose weapons of choice are now crochet hook and pen. When not writing for Yahoo! sites such as YCN! Voice... View profile
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31 Comments
Post a CommentHe was a true hero. Excellent reporting.
Very well written and an interesting read.
You did a very good job in covering this story Marie. All military personnel are in my thoughts, heart and prayers whether you have served in the past, serving in the present, and those who plan to serve in the future. Your families are also in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
From a retired Air Force Reserve Senior Master Sergeant and First Sergeant I render a final salute. RIP.
I have read so many stories about my ex-husband. It is hard to believe that this story has been told on just about every news station and every newspaper throughout the US.All of them with a different twist but each bringing tears to my eyes. RIP Ray. You deserve it.
Rose, I would love to talk to you more about this. Pls contact me at Ldyjarhead@yahoo.com
Thank you honoring my father!
OOH RHAA! Nuff said. Friend, fan, smile.......Ranger on your six.
It breaks my heart that any veteran is ever homeless. It's a disgrace that he was even in a boarding house. I salute this man. He was a marine until the end.
How fitting that a Marine should send off another Marine as you just did.