Jacksonville National Cemetery needs help laying flags on graves

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At Jacksonville National Cemetery, patriotism is a top priority. They want to give vets the sendoff they deserve and each May, they do just that.

“For Memorial Day, we make sure that every veteran receives a gravesite flag, a U.S. American flag that's placed out on the gravesite,” Director Alphaeus Richburg said.

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That’s a big undertaking. There are at least 11,460 graves that need adorning, meaning volunteers are needed.

“A lot of hands. A lot of hard work,” Richburg said.

Jeanne Torbett lives down the street from the cemetery. She’s not shy about showing her support. She put up two big signs that say “Thank you Military” and “Thank you Veterans.”

“Whether it be families that are going by or the ones who are visiting their lost loved ones. We just thought it would be nice if they need they were appreciated,” Torbett said.

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Jacksonville National Cemetery’s annual flag laying is set for Thursday, May 25, at 2:30 p.m. The hope is to have at least 100 volunteers. Richburg, an Army man himself, says in an area with more than 150,000 vets, it's the least we can do.

“This is definitely the day to be patriotic and look at those who have given their all for the country," Richburg said.

The address to the cemetery is:

4083 Lannie Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32218

All you have to do is show up to volunteer.

Cox Media Group