U.S. Navy veteran Jay Ralph Myatt will receive full military honors at his burial next year, but there’s one thing missing — his family. The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen has scheduled an unaccompanied veteran burial for Myatt on October 23, 2025, ensuring that his service won’t go unrecognized despite having no known next of kin present.
No Veteran Left Behind
Myatt, who served as a Seaman Apprentice from July 1968 to May 1970 during the Vietnam era, will be laid to rest with the dignity afforded to all who served. Born on March 14, 1949, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal during his naval service.
The Texas Veterans Land Board, which operates the cemetery, has made it their mission to ensure “NO Veteran is EVER left behind,” working alongside local communities and veteran service organizations to provide proper burials for those who served. “If no next-of-kin is present at the burial, a Veterans Land Board Representative will accept the United States flag on his behalf,” the board states.
What happens when veterans have no family to mourn them? That’s where the community often steps in. These unaccompanied burials frequently draw dozens or even hundreds of local residents who come to pay their respects to strangers who served their country.
The ‘Arlington of the South’
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, sometimes referred to as the “Arlington of the South,” opened on January 4, 2006. The 174-acre site was originally part of Fort Hood and was master planned to eventually accommodate nearly 50,000 burial sites.
One visitor to the cemetery described it as “a very moving visit” in an online review, highlighting the emotional impact of the meticulously maintained grounds where America’s veterans find their final rest.
The cemetery is located at 11463 State Highway 195 in Killeen and is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, according to official records. Though some sources suggest slightly different operating hours — with the cemetery remaining open until 6:00 pm according to navigation listings — visitors are encouraged to check current hours before attending.
Unaccompanied veteran burials like Myatt’s represent a solemn tradition in military communities across America. They stand as a reminder that while some veterans may die without family at their side, they need never be truly alone in their final journey.
