PALM HARBOR, Fla. — In proper fashion, five unnamed soldiers serving our country in the 1800s are being honored.
Their graves were discovered two years ago buried in downtown Tampa at Fort Brooke. Fort Brooke was a military fort established in 1824 and decommissioned in 1883.
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Experts believe the cemetery nearby was washed away during past hurricanes and forgotten about until crews began developing Water Street Tampa.
“It’s unfortunate. At the time when their deaths occurred they got the best thing that was possible given the time, the day of the places they were placed," said Keenan Knopke, Curlew Hills Memory Gardens CEO.
For the second time in more than 100 years, these five soldiers are being laid to rest at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens.
"They won’t ever be disturbed again and that’s the important thing," said Knopke.
Air Force Veteran Michael Doran comes from a strong family.
“It’s hard to say I can’t even fathom serving the idea of serving in the 1800s," said Doran.
He brought his 5-year-old son Brent to the service to show him the value and importance of the U.S. military.
"It’s just the beginning of laying down the foundation for for our younger generation," he added.
Cemetery officials say once they are buries, the headstone will be placed.
They hope people will visit every once in a while to pay their respects, and to remember their sacrifice.
