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WINCHENDON — More than 150 people came to the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon Monday to honor Lynn native Leroy Blaisdell, a World War II veteran who died with no known kin.
WBZ-TV reported Blaisdell joined the U.S. Army Air Force three weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. When he died in 2008 in Florida, his remains were cremated and ended up in the Eastern Essex District Department of Veterans’ Services office in Ipswich.
Karen Tyler, veterans services director, decided it was time Blaisdell was laid to rest.
“I wanted to do the right thing by him, and bring him to where he does have family and friends, among all the other veterans that have served for this country,” said Tyler.
Veterans’ groups, police and others showed up Monday to honor Blaisdell in a memorial service with full military honors.
“I was really happy to see such a big turnout,” Tyler told WBZ. “He’s getting what he deserves.”
