LAWRENCE COUNTY — As Memorial Day approaches, Lawrence County is preparing for a massive undertaking to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough announced that approximately 8,500 American flags will be placed on the graves of veterans across the county.
The effort serves as a somber tribute to the fallen, acting as a visual reminder of the cost of freedom.
The logistics of honoring thousands of heroes require a coordinated team effort. Bough emphasized that the project is made possible through the unwavering support of the Lawrence County Commissioners and a dedicated network of local volunteers.
Participating groups include:
- Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- American Legion Post 33 members
- Local church congregations
Ensuring No Veteran is Forgotten
With thousands of markers to visit, Bough noted that while the goal is 100% accuracy, mistakes can happen. “If a volunteer does miss a grave, we are human,” Bough said. “It is never intentional. The veteran may have passed recently and is not yet on our list.”
To address this, the Veterans Affairs office has a simple solution for families. Families can visit Bough’s office in the basement of the Lawrence County Courthouse. A flag will be provided immediately to any family whose loved one’s grave was missed.
Bough specifically noted that families of veterans who pass near or shortly after Memorial Day do not need to wait a full year for a flag. They are encouraged to stop by the office to request one at any time.
Memorial Day Traditions and the National Moment of Remembrance
In addition to the placement of flags, residents are encouraged to participate in national traditions established by Congress.
Under the National Moment of Remembrance Act passed in 2000, all Americans are asked to pause for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember the nation’s fallen.
The holiday also dictates specific flag etiquette to honor battle heroes:
- Morning: The U.S. flag is raised briskly to the peak and then solemnly lowered to half-staff.
- Noon: The flag is raised back to the top of the staff.
- Afternoon: The flag remains at full staff until sunset, symbolizing that the nation lives on despite the sacrifices of its heroes.
