Memorial Day Flag Placement Ceremony
This past Saturday, Troop 985, along with many other scout troops and youth groups, volunteered to help place flags at each grave marker at the national cemetery in Los Angeles. We were joined by our brother and sister troops, Troop 54 and Troop 2019, for this important event. We met early at East Whittier United Methodist Church, our charter organization since 1954, ensuring everyone had a ride and knew our meeting point at the cemetery. With over 90,000 graves, it’s a vast and solemn place.
The day began with an opening ceremony where we paid respect to the many men and women who have fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. A recording of Jimmy Weldon reading the poem “I am the Flag” was played, a tradition that resonates deeply. Jimmy Weldon, a Hollywood voice actor and World War II veteran, passed away last year at the age of 99. His voice, reciting the poignant words of the poem, reminded us of the sacrifices made by so many.
After the ceremony, we proceeded to our designated area of the cemetery to begin placing the flags. The proper way to place a flag is to walk up to the grave marker, place the flag 6 to 8 inches in front of it, salute, and read the name of the person honored by the marker. This small act of respect and remembrance is repeated more than 90,000 times at this cemetery on this day, keeping the memories of these heroes alive and showing our gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.
Memorial Day is a powerful reminder of the cost of our freedoms, and participating in the flag placement ceremony is a meaningful way for our scouts to honor those who have given all. It’s a day of reflection, respect, and remembrance, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of our fallen heroes are never forgotten.