Flags to Honor Veterans at Riverside National Cemetery This Weekend

UPDATE: Flags will be placed at Riverside National Cemetery for Veterans Day after a crucial announcement from local union members. Despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown halting the annual flag-placing event organized by the nonprofit Honoring Our Fallen, a surge of community support is ensuring that veterans will be honored this November.

On Saturday, November 8, 2023, over 300 union carpenter volunteers from the Inland Local 951 and Local 909 chapters will gather early in the morning to place nearly 3,000 U.S. flags at veterans’ graves. This volunteer effort is set to uphold the tradition of honoring those who served, even as official events have been canceled due to “significant staffing reductions” and “logistical challenges,” as noted by Honoring Our Fallen.

The cancellation of the nonprofit’s flag placement event—which typically sees over 270,000 flags placed—has not deterred the commitment of local union members. Alex Madrid, a representative from the union, emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition, stating, “We have members with family buried there, and a lot of our own members are buried there. It means a lot to the organization to honor our veterans.”

The volunteers, along with Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, and various community organizations, have historically participated in this effort. While the official ceremony for Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11 has also been canceled, the union’s initiative showcases the community’s determination to ensure that “heroes are not forgotten.”

Madrid revealed that the union members have purchased their own flags to facilitate this effort, reinforcing their commitment to respect and patriotism. “When the government shuts down, service doesn’t stop,” a statement from Local 951 affirms. This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, inspiring action despite the broader governmental challenges.

Following the flag placement, volunteers will remove the flags on Wednesday, November 12. The cemetery remains open from sunrise to sunset during the shutdown, allowing visitors to place their own flags in tribute to veterans.

As the community rallies together to honor its fallen heroes, this grassroots effort serves as a poignant reminder of the values of service and gratitude, emphasizing that even in times of uncertainty, the spirit of remembrance thrives.

Stay tuned for further updates as this heartwarming initiative unfolds, and consider sharing this story to spread awareness of the ongoing efforts to honor our veterans.