The final resting place for our nation’s heroes in Jacksonville is now a sea of American flags.
But in order to accomplish that goal, every year, the Jacksonville National Cemetery needs your help.
Edna Trambley and her sisters went to visit their mom’s grave Thursday not knowing it was the same day volunteers would come out to place flags at each grave.
It was a welcome surprise.
“Makes me glad I’m an American, makes me so happy,” said Trambley.
Trambley got emotional while at her mom’s grave at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Visiting her ahead of Memorial Day has become a tradition for her and her sisters Fran Evans, Ruby Rodgers, and Linda Waite who each traveled from out of town to be there.
“We’re very proud,” said Evans.
“Absolutely she was too she didn’t waste a moment to tell you that she was in the military,” said Trambley.
Their mom, Veronica Anthony, proudly served during World War II.
Her grave site and nearly 15,000 others got some TLC.
Two-hundred volunteers came out to place flags at each grave site Thursday.
Some got to put flags at their own loved one’s graves but no matter the reason that brought them out, one thing is clear -- each and every one buried there matters.
“It was worth coming out here to witness this,” said Trambley.
From children to the elderly to those currently serving and those who served, all of them braved the heat to lend a hand.
The volunteers showed everyone the real meaning of Memorial Day.
For Trambley and her sisters, the kind gesture means the world.
“Even after we’re gone years and years in the future our mother will be honored,” said Trambley.
On Saturday at 10 a.m. the national cemetery will have its Memorial Day service. The public is invited to attend.
The Jacksonville National Cemetery still needs the help of volunteers to pick up the flags. If you’d like to donate your time you can go to the cemetery at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29.