This morning we headed out as the rain ended and before t-storms arrived to help with the annual tradition of placing Flags on Veterans graves at one of the local cemeteries in our area. This is usually done two weeks before Memorial Day weekend. In the event we are rained out, we still have an extra weekend to place the Flags in time for the holiday.
This is Hubbs showing the Scouts what markings to look for, how to place the Flag and stop for a moment after each one:
There are nearly 3,000 Veterans graves in this particular cemetery that we do, although not every grave is marked noting a Veteran is buried there and some headstones are so old, dating back to the French & Indian war (pre-Revolutionary), that you can no longer read the engraving on them. We try to do our best to see that no Veteran is forgotten. Unfortunately, it can happen by accident, even when we have a great turnout of volunteers like this year, so we leave extra Flags at the cemetery office so they can give them out if someone asks for one for their loved one.
I usually sneak away for a bit to visit a very special yet very sad section of the cemetery to place a personal Flag. Sometimes Hubbs is with me when I visit, other times he's not. With the anniversary of B's passing on the 8th, it seems fitting.
I need to get back here soon to plant some flowers which will help to hold the soil here so it doesn't keep draining off onto the pavers. While there is evidence of regular visitors here, it's a devastating place to be, and because of that, I don't think this section always gets the attention it needs.
Overall, this cemetery is such a peaceful, beautiful, quiet place for those who rest here.
Memorial Day is about honoring our Veterans, now passed, who were a part of the less than 1% of those who, throughout our history, keep the rest of us safe and protect our Freedom regardless of who may be President or what political agenda has the stronghold. It is a day of remembrance and gratitude.
It is such an honor to help Veterans like Hubbs honor those Veterans now passed. And I am so thankful that I have been well enough to help all but once in the last six years of participating in this tradition with the VFW and our American Legion. It is not easy for me to do given all of the walking involved. Thankfully Hubbs drives us to each section and I take frequent breaks. I am worn out, swollen and sore, but it's more than worth the discomfort!
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