NILES, Mich. – Hundreds of people showed up for the funeral of veteran Wayne Wilson after the Brown Funeral Home asked the public to help pay respects to the veteran with no family.

At the funeral on Wednesday, hundreds of people showed up to pay their respects at the funeral home and the cemetery.

Veterans said they were happy to do it.

"I think this is the way we pay back and provide the respect. I’m just thrilled with the number that are here in riding this particular event for Wayne Wilson," Kent Laudeman said.

Wilson was laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery, where he attended the Memorial Day parade every year.