Framingham Veterans Services Will Place 5K Flags At Gravesites On Memorial Day

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The folks within Framingham Veterans Services are preparing for an annual Memorial Day tradition that pays homage to America's veterans.

Each year, Framingham Veterans Services officials mark the graves of US Veterans with an American Flag. This year 5,000 flags will be placed in Framingham’s seven cemeteries by volunteers.

The organization is seeking volunteers to help them place over half of those flags in Edgell Grove Cemetery on May 20 at 9 a.m.

Edgell Grove is a historical landmark because of its unique design, officials said.

"As a result of the design, we need a lot of youth, as well as those Young at Heart, with enthusiasm to tackle this large Cemetery," they added, in a statement.

If interested in volunteers, Veterans Services can be reached at 508-532-5515 during working hours. A rain date of May 27 at 9 a.m. is scheduled.

The goal of the event are to place a flag at each gravesite of every veteran in Framingham. However, sometimes mistakes happen.

"In the event we missed someone, please come by the Veteran Services, Room, B-11, in the Memorial Building and we will provide you with a flag," officials said.

Flags are placed on the left side of the front of the plot’s headstone to allow cemetery personnel to mow and maintain the cemetery with minimal interference, officials said.

"As we stand in front of each grave, placing this flag, let us take the time to remember the sacrifices of these heroes by saying their names aloud," officials said.

They continued:

"Saying the names of these men and women keep their memory alive - the memory of their service, commitment, dedication and love of country. It reminds their families that we continue to stand with them. Let’s remember them in our prayers and recognize that we are free because of their sacrifices."