Thousands of American flags are placed on gravesites at Miramar National Cemetery

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — At Miramar National Cemetery, an army of volunteers — 400 strong — were on an important mission this Memorial Day Weekend.

It’s called “Operation Flags for Vets.”

The volunteers are honoring all the brave men and women who served in the U.S. military by placing an American flag on their gravesites, totaling 17,000.

Rick Clark, a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam as a member of the Seabees, jokingly refers to himself as the “flag boss.”

He spearheaded this inaugural Memorial Weekend flag operation, inspired by the sight at Rosecrans National Cemetery during Memorial Weekend.

Clark, along with fellow members at Rotary District 5340, initiated the project in February, overcoming various approval processes and fundraising challenges.

With the support of volunteers and donors, they secured approvals and 17,000 flags to make the operation a reality.

For family members like Rose Lynn Clements and Barbara Mack, seeing the American flag near their loved ones’ headstones is a powerful symbol of their military service.

Clark finds immense joy in witnessing the community come together for this cause and vows to continue the tradition annually.

Miramar National Cemetery will host a special ceremony on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m., that’s open to everyone in the community.

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