Over 250 local Boy Scouts, leaders and parents partnered with the Chattanooga National Cemetery to place American flags decorating 55,000 graves to honor fallen heroes.
“Memorial Day is a sacred day where we remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. “We can never forget these heroes nor the families who continue to grieve the loss of their mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother who stood in the gap for each of us to maintain the very democracy we are able to treasure every day.”
Local Scouts were thrilled for the opportunity to resume this storied tradition after not being able to conduct the project due to federal COVID 19 restrictions in 2020. “It was great to be back serving local heroes again this year,” said Greg Lee, volunteer vice president of Program for the Cherokee Area Council. “We were so disappointed to not be allowed to provide this service last year and it’s amazing to see the look on these young people’s faces as they realize the ultimate sacrifice paid by the men and women honored here.”
Scouts also provided similar service last weekend at the Festival of Flags in Ringgold and this weekend in Cleveland and several area cemeteries.