On Thursday, Mississippi Veterans Affairs (MSVA) honored the life and service of Veteran Willie Leroy Polite at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton.

Polite, who was homeless at the time of his death, passed away on July 3rd in Madison County and was initially scheduled for burial in a pauper grave (grave for the unknown or unclaimed). Upon learning he was a Veteran, county officials contacted MSVA, and together, they coordinated a more appropriate burial.

“It was our honor to provide Mr. Polite a proper memorial service,” said MSVA Executive Director, Stacey Pickering. “This Veteran answered the call when his country needed him. The least we could do was provide him a proper final resting place.”

Polite served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. With MSVA Staff on hand and a few visitors in attendance to show their respects, Polite received a memorial service with honors.

He is buried on the grounds of the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Newton alongside other fallen heroes and their families.