2025 Forgotten Heroes Burial Ceremony

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the cremated remains of 38 unclaimed military Veterans will be laid to rest with full military honors during the annual Forgotten Heroes Burial Ceremony.

The memorial service will begin at 9 a.m. at Legacy Church, located at 4701 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque. Following the ceremony, the urns will be escorted by law enforcement, service agencies, and the New Mexico American Legion Riders. The ceremony concludes at 11 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 North Guadalupe Street.

The Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program is a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, Bernalillo County, the New Mexico National Guard, Albuquerque Police Department, Santa Fe Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s and Fire Departments, Director’s Choice Funeral Home, and Santa Fe National Cemetery. The program ensures that honorably discharged veterans who pass away without family or friends to claim them receive a proper burial with the dignity and respect they deserve.

The public is invited to attend and serve as “family” to provide a final salute for these fallen Veterans who have served our country. This event demonstrates that respect for military service has no expiration date.