KNOXVILLE - At first glance they look like minor decorations, something small to put on a shelf or tuck away in a corner.

But what they represent is immense and often far-reaching. And their memories, their reminders still touch a lot of people, often in different ways.

RFC flags. image courtesy of Knox County RFC

Displayed throughout the Knox County Regional Forensic Center stand dozens of flags – all speak for long-lost veterans whose bodies went unclaimed upon their passing. Mementoes not only to their life, but the time they spent in military service.

The flags, neatly folded inside triangular wooden custom cases, symbolize those who served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Almost every branch is represented. But sadly, many are left in the building, left alone by family or friends or, maybe, no one at all.

There are others, though, who claim them, want to remember them. In fact, a lot. Such reminders come from the employees who work at the RFC. Many team members have at least one encased flag, respectfully placed in their office or workspace. They are displayed proudly.

“For some of the people who work here, it’s a connection – they were on the scene when the veteran died, or maybe they have family who served and this is their way to honor them,” said Chris Thomas, director and chief administrative officer of the RFC. “It’s a way to let their voice still be heard. Because you sacrifice so much to serve the country, and this is just a small way we can give back.”

There are a number of reasons the veterans’ flags go unclaimed. Sometimes the RFC cannot find the next of kin and sometimes no next of kin exists. Other times, the RFC finds a friend or family member, but they don’t want anything to do with the fallen veteran, or they say they can’t afford a funeral – despite programs that help cover the cost.

As it stands, roughly 60 veterans during the past 15 years fit one of these reasons.

And all are now buried in the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery – during a once-a-year memorial service that features Honor Guards who provide a dignified military-precision ceremony. They fold the U.S. flag, they play Taps, they offer a 21-gun salute.

“We don’t judge them by the way they live, but rather, we honor them for their service,” Thomas said. “A lot of people in the service struggle but in this case – as far as a service goes – we don’t hold that against them.”

The RFC first cremates the bodies and then partners with Berry Funeral Home, which provides free urns and works with the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery to plan and organize the service. From there, each urn is placed in its own hearse and driven slowly to its grave, escorted by members of the military branch in which they served. A flag is then folded and given to the next of kin. If there is one.

The rest go to the RFC. Most of the time.

“We have given them away before,” Thomas said. “The director of Care Cuts was in attendance once because one of the veterans was a client of hers that she cared for deeply and I wanted her to have his flag to remember him by.”

The next service is planned for this spring.

“They give value and dignity to those people who have passed away and that’s huge,” said Jeff Berry, funeral director and general manager of Berry Funeral Home on Chapman Highway. “When you see someone’s name on that marker, you know he or she will never be forgotten. That’s the part I like best.”

Berry added that it’s also a way for the military community, the RFC, the cemetery and his operation to come together “and do something for the men and women who might not have much recognition at all.”

“We make sure they are recognized and given a permanent place – we put them with their brothers and sisters in the military,” he said. “It gives value and dignity to those people who have passed away and that’s huge.”

Thomas noted that the memorial serves office are emotional.

“It’s important to honor the people when we can,” he said. “Our veterans earned a military service by serving the country and it’s our duty to make sure they get that memorial service.”

The RFC’s list of unclaimed veterans can be found here. For information about claiming a decedent, please call 865-215-8000.