Have you ever given any thought to the 'behind the scenes' activity in preparation for the Memorial Day tribute to Veterans who lost their lives while serving this Country...and to all deceased Veterans?

It takes many volunteers, including community members, along with American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion members to place 178 large flag poles and flags at Rose Hill Cemetery prior to the holiday weekend. In addition to the large flags, more than 225 small flags are placed on Veteran and Legion Auxiliary graves at Rose Hill.

Along with Rose Hill, small flags are placed on Veteran’s graves in other area rural cemeteries. When the holiday weekend has passed, this labor-intensive project has to be reversed. All of the big flags need to be taken down, folded and stored in many totes for another year.

The poles are loaded on a trailer that is stored in a storage container at the cemetery. And of course, all the small flags need to be picked up at all the cemeteries.

So, when Memorial Day rolls around next year, maybe now you will have a deeper appreciation when you see those beautiful American flags fluttering in the breeze.

Americanism is alive and well in the American Legion Family and we hope that is true of all who read this.