BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) — Beaufort National Cemetery held an unclaimed committal service for a U.S. Army veteran who recently passed away at the age of 63.

Private 1 Rex Edwards Bills, from Charleston, South Carolina, was laid to rest Thursday surrounded by civilians, veterans and active-duty service members. A few of Bills' co-workers also attended.

Patriot Guard Riders were there along with the Disabled American Veterans Organization, who laid "Forget Me Not" blue flowers in recognition of Bills.

The Beaufort National Cemetery said it was not an unclaimed veteran service in the traditional sense, as the family could not claim Bills due to unavoidable circumstances.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stepped in to ensure Bills received a burial benefit and military honors.

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