SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire)– Memorial Day is all about honoring Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Six years ago, members of the American Legion Post 697 witnessed the Memorial Day ceremonies at the Arlington National Cemetery.
“We know there are thousands of veterans buried here and we made a decision that we needed to bring what happens at Arlington to our community,” Rene Lapierre with American Legion Post 697 said.
Through various means of fundraising, this year the American Legion purchased over 4,000 small American flags.
“We are taking an American flag and we are putting it at every grave that can be identified as a veteran as a salute, a testament to their service as they’re laid to rest here,” Lapierre said.
And with help from the community, they spent at least four hours placing them around the Memorial Park Cemetery.
“We have some people that come out every year just to help and to show their support,” Lapierre said. “It’s grown each and every year. More and more volunteers come out.”
For the past six years, officers from the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office have aided in placing flags. This year was Sheriff Chad Sheehan’s first time participating, and he said planting the flags was an honor.
“Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. I have relatives. I have a cousin who’s serving now and in the Air Force,” Sheehan said. “So it does mean a lot for the men and women who have put on a uniform to protect our freedoms and our liberties. I think it’s the least we can do is pay some respects to those who have now gone before us.”
Lapierre said he is happy with Thursday’s turnout and is ready for Memorial Day to begin.
“My family has served the country for over 80 years, and it is for me personally a salute to my family,” he said. “I can’t be at my dad’s grave on Memorial Day, but I can walk these grounds and talk to my dad and say ‘Dad, I’m here. I can’t be with you in New York, but I can be here,’ and the messages are the same.”
On Memorial Day at 10 a.m., the American Legion Post 697 will hold a ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery to honor those who fought and served for their country at Memorial Park Cemetery.