Local group honors veterans by putting flags next to their headstones

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – This weekend, you will probably see American flags at local cemeteries.

President of the Allen D. McQueen Hope Community Center Richard Marshall wanted to do just that on Thursday.

“We just have to give thanks and praise to all of our veterans that were volunteered and did not volunteer that went off to battle and lost their life for our freedom to protect our country,” Marshall said.

Local veteran Mitch Hunt said that this is a one way for the younger generation to understand the sacrifice their ancestors made for the country.

“I personally enjoy this because my grandson can be out here with me, and he can learn and see what people have done for the freedom that we have today,” Hunt said.

Sullivan mayor and veteran J.D. Wilson said the American way of life was paid for by the sacrifices of veterans.

“They lost their lives doing the job that it takes to give us our freedoms,” Wilson said. “The freedoms that we use and appreciate every day in this world, and it comes from the job and duties that they did.”

Hunt said that the flag represents this country, but there would be no flag without the ones that lost their lives fighting for it.

“The flag is a flag, but the people are what makes the country,” Hunt said. “This is just to honor the people that did not make it home from war and we are here to pay homage to them.”

Those on hand also added that this weekend is a perfect opportunity to thank any and all veterans in your life.

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