Strasburg residents are already beginning to see the signs of Memorial Day as members of the Strasburg American Legion Auxiliary Liberty Unit Number 289 spent Sunday afternoon honoring local veterans.

Even with the weather not being favorable, there were still ten American Legion Auxiliary members from Strasburg who traveled to several area cemeteries on May 17th to place American flags on the graves of veterans ahead of the Memorial Day holiday. In total, 227 flags were carefully placed throughout the community to recognize and remember those who served our country.

The Strasburg American Legion Auxiliary traditionally places the flags one week before Memorial Day. Organizers say the early placement allows family members and visitors time to see the flags decorating the graves of their loved ones before the holiday weekend officially begins.

The largest number of flags this year were placed at Saint Paul’s Cemetery, where volunteers honored 88 veterans. Another 87 flags were placed at Grace Cemetery, while 45 veterans were recognized at Richland Cemetery. Four flags were placed at Wade Cemetery, and two additional flags will also be placed at Lookout Cemetery.

Members of the Auxiliary say the annual tradition is an important reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, while also helping younger generations understand the meaning behind Memorial Day. 

Those assisting with the flag placement included Auxiliary members Bonnie Lawrence, Skylar Vonderheide, Sarah Wyckoff, Diana Arthur, and Linda Oakley. Junior members Abby Brown, Anna Brown, Aubrey Brown, Adeline Brown, and Shae Vonderheide also took part in the project, continuing the tradition of service and remembrance with additional help from volunteer Riddick Reed.

The American Legion Auxiliary has long played an active role in honoring veterans and supporting military families in communities across the country, and local members say projects like this are one small way to show appreciation for those who served.

As Memorial Day approaches, community members are encouraged to take a moment to visit local cemeteries, observe the rows of American flags, and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.

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