DAYTON, Ohio — Hundreds of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts took part in an annual tradition this Memorial Day weekend, putting flags on the graves of fallen heroes at the Dayton National Cemetery.
Decorating the headstones has been a tradition dating back to the Civil War. In fact, Memorial Day used to be known as “Decoration Day,” and was changed after World War I to honor fallen soldiers in all wars fought by the U.S.
What You Need To Know
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts helped to plant flags at the graves of the fallen in Dayton National Cemetery
- Nearly 60,000 veterans are buried there
- The tradition of decorating graves during this time of year goes back to the Civil War
- Commander Charles Stennis of the Ohio American Legion joined other speakers in a ceremony before the flag planting
“We come out here every year,” said Everett Neal, who brings daughter Larkin and sons Anson and Merrick, who are all scouts.
“It’s important to be here because their grandfather was in the service and it’s just important to reflect on the contributions he’s made to the country,” Neal said.
There are nearly 60,000 veterans buried in Dayton National Cemetery.
“Grandpa was really awesome,” said Merrick. “It was fun to decorate graves and maybe decorate a grave that was somebody that walked alongside him.”
“I wanted to be here because it’s really nice to help commemorate the people who have laid down their lives,” said Anson.
Commander Charles Stennis of the Ohio American Legion joined other speakers in a ceremony before the flag planting.
“It’s really beautiful to see how many people come here and help recognize them,” said Larkin.
The day is part tribute and also a lesson in patriotism and history.
“It’s amazing to see how there’s so many different times and different wars, some from the 1800s and even last year that have sacrificed for our country,” said Faelynn Gill, who joined her father and brother.
With so many enthusiastic volunteers, it took just about an hour to decorate nearly 60,000 headstones with flags.
“The number is pretty overwhelming,” said Gene McKinley, one leader of Troop 234 in Beaver Creek. “It’s very heartwarming and touching.”
“Sometimes, it brings out emotions you don’t normally feel every day,” said McKinley.
