Inspiring Story of Nicholas Aidan

& the Warriors Remembrance Foundation

In the heart of America’s history lies a profound and unspoken injustice: veterans who have either given or were willing to give their lives for our freedoms are often laid to rest in unmarked or neglected graves. The Warriors Remembrance Foundation emerged not from the vision of a seasoned veteran, politician, or President, but from the pure heart of a 10-year-old boy named Nicholas Aidan Pinkerton.

The story of the foundation begins with a seemingly ordinary family project. Nicholas George Pinkerton, a retired Master Sergeant with two decades of service, was deeply immersed in researching the family’s Civil War lineage. While exploring the records of his son’s 5th great-grandfather, who died at Bacon Creek, Kentucky, Nicholas Aidan stumbled upon a photo of a grave in Cave Hill Cemetery marked only by a number. His question, “Why does this veteran only have a number?” was more than just curiosity—it became a call to action.

His father tried to explain that many veterans from earlier eras couldn’t afford markers and that some graves were marked only with numbers corresponding to the cemetery ledger books. According to current federal regulations, this marker is considered a "marked" grave, making it ineligible for a new marker. However, Nicholas Aidan was not satisfied with this explanation. His young eyes reflected a deep sense of injustice and anger as he challenged his father, “But why can’t we fix this now? Doesn’t America have the ability to fix it?”

His unwavering belief that he could make a difference, despite the scale of the problem, struck a powerful chord with his father. The simple but profound statement, “We just have to do it one veteran at a time,” resonated deeply with him. Nicholas Aidan’s father felt a profound sense of shame—shame that his first instinct had been to dismiss the issue and make excuses rather than confront it.

Determined to honor his son's vision, the two set out on a mission within their local community of Spring Branch, Texas. They began at St. Joseph Honey Creek Cemetery, a historic site dating back to the mid-1800s. They expected to find a few unmarked graves but uncovered far more troubling conditions: neglected graves with weathered markers barely readable, some sunken into the earth, and others overgrown with weeds.

Nicholas Aidan’s reaction was heart-wrenching. His eyes filled with disbelief and sadness as he saw the state of these graves. “We can’t leave them like this,” he said with determination to his father. With permission from the cemetery, they embarked on a mission to clean and restore the markers. They learned how to properly care for these graves by consulting with the National Cemetery Administration and watching instructional videos by experts.

Initially, Nicholas Aidan’s father thought his enthusiasm might fade, but the child’s dedication was relentless. After an exhausting eight-hour day of cleaning, Nicholas Aidan was back the next weekend, eager to continue. His words, “I’m going to fix it, Dad, one veteran at a time,” made it clear to his father that his commitment was genuine and steadfast.

With the enormity and cost of fixing the problem, and Nicholas Aidan’s drive for action, the Warriors Remembrance Foundation was founded. Its mission is clear: to ensure every veteran receives the honor they deserve. They started by placing bronze flag markers and flags at graves, making sure every veteran’s service is acknowledged. They also help families navigate the complex process of applying for burial benefits, addressing the fact that many of these benefits go unclaimed.

In just six short months, their efforts have expanded significantly. They now offer financial aid to families struggling with basic funeral costs, place poppies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, red roses on the Fourth of July, and remembrance wreaths on the anniversaries of veterans’ deaths. They also place white roses for spouses to honor their sacrifices and devotion to our country.

Nicholas Aidan’s vision further led to the creation of the Veterans of Texas Legacy Project, an ambitious initiative to document and honor every veteran buried in Texas, starting from Comal County and expanding statewide. This project aims to engage our youth in picking up the torch and ensuring that no veteran’s sacrifice is forgotten.

He also started Warrior Wednesday, a movement within local communities to wear military green or Warrior Wednesday apparel in remembrance of deceased veterans. With a firm belief that veterans should be honored and respected more than just twice a year, Nicholas Aidan is determined to see this movement grow and expand not only in Texas communities but throughout the United States.

At the end of the day, the Warriors Remembrance Foundation is more than just a nonprofit; it is a living tribute to the unwavering spirit of a young boy who saw an injustice and decided to act. Nicholas Aidan’s passion and vision have sparked a movement to honor our nation’s veterans, ensuring that each receives the recognition they deserve.

Join him in this noble cause. Help honor and remember our veterans, because every hero deserves to be remembered. Together, American citizens can ensure that our veterans' sacrifices are never forgotten.