WEST HARTFORD, CT — Volunteers are needed Saturday, Nov. 7, to help place American flags on more than 1,200 military graves at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford ahead of Veterans Day.
The annual flag-planting event, organized with American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96, is a longstanding community tradition honoring veterans who served in the U.S. military.
Volunteers should arrive at the cemetery at 8:30 a.m. and gather in the chapel's garage bay, where they will receive instructions on proper flag placement and a cemetery map identifying their assigned section.
No advance registration is required, and everyone is welcome to participate.
Organizers ask volunteers to bring a screwdriver to make holes in the ground for the flags.
The tradition of placing flags at Fairview Cemetery before Memorial Day and Veterans Day began more than 40 years ago through the efforts of the late Jean-Paul Berard.
Over the years, veterans, residents, and local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops have participated in the annual tribute.
Identifying Unmarked Veterans' Graves
Residents who have a relative or friend buried at Fairview Cemetery whose grave is not identified as a veteran's grave are encouraged to contact the cemetery office.
The office can be reached at 860-561-8136 to help ensure that eligible graves receive flags.
American Flag Collection
Hayes-Velhage Post 96 will also collect worn or damaged American flags for proper retirement.
The collection will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
Traditionally, American flags no longer suitable for display are retired through a ceremonial burning.
Event Details
The event is open to all community members who wish to help honor veterans ahead of Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
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