Local Girl Scouts who participated in placing U.S. flags at veterans’ graves at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday, May 21.
Courtesy photo
Other local youth groups, including Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Young Marines, who worked with the Troy VFW Post 5436 to place U.S. flags at veterans’ graves at Riverside Cemetery. The Troy VFW Post 5436 also placed flags at five other local, smaller cemeteries in honor of Memorial Day.
Courtesy photo
A local Girl Scout placing an American flag at the grave of a veteran at Riverside Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day.
Courtesy photo
By Sam Wildow
TROY — The Troy VFW Post 5436 partnered with local youth organizations for the 20th year of placing American flags at Riverside Cemetery last weekend, placing over 2,200 flags at veterans’ graves at Riverside and other local cemeteries in recognition of the upcoming Memorial Day.
“We work with Girl Scouts, Cubs Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Young Marines,” said Jim Templeton of the Troy VFW Post 5436.
The Troy VFW Post 5436 has included those area youth groups for 20 years in this effort, providing a community service opportunity while also honoring veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces, observed on the last Monday of May.
“We had unbelieveable turnout this year,” Templeton said, adding there were approximately 100 participants who helped place U.S. flags at Riverside Cemetery and five smaller cemeteries last weekend on May 21.
“Memorial Day is important to remember — the veterans and those who have given their lives for this country — that’s what’s given us the freedoms that we have,” Templeton said.
On Memorial Day, May 30, there will be a ceremony at noon on the Adams Street bridge in Troy, followed by a ceremony at 12:20 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial at Riverside Cemetery.
The Troy Civic Band will also be performing at 7 p.m. at Treasure Island Park on May 30.
