GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County family was devastated to learn their father, a U.S. Navy veteran who fought in three wars, could not be provided the full military funeral they say he deserves. The Laughlin family says life with a military dad sometimes included its share of war stories.
"90-percent of what he talked about was being in the Navy. All the trips he went on and the missions, and he'd go around and brag to anybody who would listen,” son Lance Laughlin said.
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"I believe a gentleman who served as long as Ed had and three wars ---he deserved a little more than that from the Navy,” Funeral Director Hank Wages said.
The Navy would provide a two or three man team to fold the American flag and play taps, but pall bearers and an honor guard to fire a 21 gun salute are only reserved for those on active duty or recipients of the Medal of Honor.
So Wages and Sons Funeral Home asked the Lawrenceville Police Department for help. The department has an honor guard, which will fire volleys at Chief Petty Officer Laughlin’s service.
"My mom was in tears when I told her. She is beyond happy that we'll be able to at least give him something that he so deserves,” daughter Tina Cox said.
The funeral is Saturday at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, but there are still no pall bearers. The family hopes there may be some local veterans who can help.
Cox Media Group
