OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A memorial service with full miliary honors was held Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, for two homeless veterans, performed by the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard at Veterans Helping Veterans.

A number of people were in attendance for the going-home celebration for the veterans, who were being honored and recognized for their service to the nation. The services were conducted individually and consecutively.

“Typically, when they go to Florida National (Cemetery) they may get a small service there,” said Ret. U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Don Kennedy, Chaplain of the Guard. “This gives them full honors, a chaplain, folding, presenting the flag, shell casings all of the decoration that goes with it, the U.S. flag, their branch of service flag, POW/MIA flag, a rifle salute. They get anything any other veteran deserves. It’s just for them because there is nobody to stand with them.”

It’s an honor for every member of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard to be at the service, said Kennedy. The service featured a rifle salute, with the rifle team firing three rounds of blank ammunition. The playing of “Taps” was also a somber reminder of the importance of the ceremony, with those in attendance standing for the final bugle call, honoring the men who served the United States of America with duty, courage and patriotism.

The service served as a way to celebrate the lives and faithful service of their departed brothers in arms. The services were held for the United States Marine Corps’ Kenneth W. Rosenbaum and the United States Navy’s James Martin.

The men were not present at the service, unless they were there in spirit, but their spirit, no longer restrained, returns to God, who gave it, said Kennedy.

The reading of the 23rd Psalm resonated powerfully during the memorial service.

Remembrance certificates and coins were also presented during the memorial ceremony.

Some time ago, The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard was invited to do seven services at Arlington National Cemetery, and during that time, one of the members of the guard wrote a poem, “A Warrior’s Farewell,” honoring the veterans and the service of the guard that is still part of their service today.

The certificates for Kenneth W. Rosenbaum and James Martin will hang on the walls of Veterans Helping Veterans, so they will be remembered.