That did not happen, thanks to the efforts of Howie VanRensselaer of VanRensselaer and Sons Funeral Home in Randolph, and all those who gave their time and effort to honor Bunn’s memory.

Uniting these people was a common cause — respect for our nation’s veterans and a desire to see Bunn’s sacrifice honored.

“I read the article in the paper and it very much moved me,” Lori Cobb said Wednesday.

Like many others, Cobb was interested in contributing to Bunn’s memorial service in any way possible. The Jamestown Public Schools teacher chose to write a poem that honored the fallen veteran of the Vietnam War Era.

“It’s embedded in my family to respect the armed forces and veterans,” Cobb said. “Both of my grandfathers served in World War 2, my father is a naval veteran, my brother is a naval veteran. I have a niece in the Cost Guard.”

In the past, Cobb has worked with her English As a New Language students on projects to honor veterans. For the poem, inspiration just seemed to come out of thin air.

“The poem was a one-draft thing,” Cobb said. “I sat down and wrote it and sent it off. It came from my heart. They asked if I would be willing to read it at the memorial service and I said absolutely. I was honored to read it.”

The scene that greeted Cobb at Van Rensselaer and Sons was truly heartwarming.

“The most moving part of it for me was all of the veterans there, when they entered and paid their last respects and did their final farewell to their fallen soldier. It was beautiful,” Cobb said. “I was very moved also, the girl that sang ‘How Great Thou Art,’ it was just the most beautiful rendition I have ever heard in my life.”

The memorial service also served as an opportunity for Cobb to make connections with veterans she already knew.

One man in attendance served as a substitute teacher at Jamestown Public Schools.

“I had no idea he was a veteran, and I had worked with him for years,” Cobb said.

Cobb’s poem is as follows:

When I opened the paper today and read

That a local soldier was now dead

And no living relatives he would be. Alone

The community’s love in our hearts was grown

A picture of a man of valor, alone at death as he did not matter

His face in the paper and I thought of his service

A hope and a prayer and someone to cherish

Never should a soldier walk alone

When his Angels and Saints are there to bring him home

A man named Van Rensselaer and a man of the cloth it would be

To help release his soul free and in dignity

Who could imagine this is sometimes the way it is

For a young man, a soldier and his country he gave all of his

When Taps is played and the flag does fly

Those who know you now will hang our heads to cry

WE will not forget your service and bravery

WE will never forget your faithful legacy

True Patriotism is present here as you can see

Is at work today in the hearts of you and me

Go forth to what many of us feel is eternal rest

Blessed Soldier who fought for his Nation his ABSOLUTE best