Hundreds attend funeral of WWII veteran who died with no surviving family

LAWRENCE, Mass. — A World War II veteran was laid to rest Thursday afternoon in Lawrence surrounded by hundreds of strangers.

James McCue, a WWII veteran died last week at the age of 97. He left behind his good friend Doris Sevigny, but no family members.

"My heart hurt because he passed alone and I couldn't imagine not having anyone say I love you or anything like that," said Linda Richardson.

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'I love you' can be said in so many words, or no words at all.

Thursday, it was said with presence as hundreds of strangers came to the Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence to honor McCue's life. He was 21 years old when he enlisted in the Army in 1943. The highly decorated World War II veteran served in five major battles, including the D-Day Invasion.

"The sacrifices that that generation made... and the cause that they fought for... they all deserve our respect," said veteran Jason Downey.

Sixteen million Americans served in WWII, but they are rapidly disappearing. The National World War II Museum estimates about 350 veterans from The Great War die every day. As of last year, less than half a million are left.

The survivors are approaching 100 years old and could very well die without family members, too.

"They come out of nursing homes and right to the graveyard. It's happening all the time," said veteran Jim Fitzpatrick.

James McCue didn't want any prayers said at his service so there was a singular moment of silence.

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