MISSION – People all over the Rio Grande Valley gathered for a final salute for a serviceman. 

An unaccompanied veteran with no known family was laid to rest on Thursday at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission.

It was a ceremony honoring the life and service of U.S. Army veteran SP4 Edward R. Applegate.

He enlisted in Pennsylvania, but for the last 30 years, he called the Valley home.

Applegate served in the Army from 1965 to 1967, vowing to protect our freedom.

He received a National Defense Service Medal and other badges during his time in the army.

Members of the community, law enforcement agencies from across the Valley and other veterans were all present to salute Applegate one last time.

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