gathered at Great Lakes National Cemetery to lay him to rest

At Great Lakes National Cemetery, Corporal Hicks was given a 21-gun salute and a playing of Taps.

His niece Regina French addressed the crowd gathered to honor him.

 I want to say thank you to everyone who came out today to be with us and honor my uncle Vester,  French said.

Dragone said the day brought a mix of joy and grief.

 It feels absolutely wonderful. I wish our parents would have been alive,  Dragone said.  Today I'm overwhelmed. I'm sure we all are as a family of the outpouring of respect and caring. 

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