Students at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School do all the regular high school stuff — debate club, drama, model U.N., sports of all kind. But this fall, a group of students can also be seen doing something not-so-regular.

They’re acting as pallbearers for homeless veterans. The students have started something called the Pallbearer Ministry, as part of the community service aspect of their education. The program is a popular one, with more than 50 students showing up for the first training session.

So far, the students have served at three funerals and say that their goal is to bring dignity to the deceased, showing the respect and appreciation that would otherwise be absent from the funeral of a homeless veteran.

Joshua Gonzalez, a senior at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and Todd Wilson, director of service at the high school, join Here & Now‘s Peter O’Dowd.

Guests

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