Your “Daily Dose of Uplift” for January 31st:
John James Murphy passed away in Elgin last month, and was listed as an “unclaimed veteran” when relatives couldn’t be found through records.
You wouldn’t have known that if you attended his memorial service, however.
On Wednesday, hundreds of people showed up to mourn Murphy; they came as far as Chicago, Naperville, and Aurora to pay respects to 71-year-old. The service was, too, approved by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Murphy was a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1969. During the course of his service, he earned several accolades, including the Vietnam Service Medal.
This is the kind of story that touches you. Cliff Hall of Palatine, a U.S. Navy veteran, who attended the service, said it best: “I didn’t think so many people would be here[…]This is incredible.”
Check out the article on the Daily Herald!