Volunteers place thousands of American flags in front of veteran tombstones ahead of Memorial Day

AMELIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Thousands of American flags were put in front of tombstones at the Virginia Veterans’ Cemetery in Amelia County on Thursday. With Memorial Day around the corner, it's a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country. 

It’s tradition for the flags to be placed in front of the tombstones of servicemen and women, and over 5,700 were put in front of each tombstone at the cemetery on Thursday, May 22.

Volunteers place American flags in front of veterans' tombstones at the Virginia Veteran Cemetery in Amelia County (Photo: Allison Williams, 8News)

There was one word that kept coming up from the volunteers -- sacrifice.

“Take the time to remember your veterans and those who are serving, especially those that gave the ultimate sacrifice," said Russ Hancock, representing Red Knights Motorcycle Club chapter of Amelia. His father-in-law was buried at the cemetery last August.

“They gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Stinky Weeks, representing the Virginia chapter of the Axemen, a firefighter motorcycle club. “We donate a little bit of our time to come out here and do something for them.” 

“The people that are engraved here are -- they're here because they either gave the greatest sacrifice at the time of their death or they served this country with pride," said Army veteran Bob Frick.

Frick served in the Army for 24 years. Now, he’s the president of the Pipe Hitters Union Motorcycle Club. He said the club started coming out to put the flags up in 2016, but this year has a special meaning for him. 

“My spouse is out here," he said. “In a word, it’s emotional. This is hallowed ground.”

He lost his wife to cancer a year ago, but his name is already on a tombstone where she’s buried for when it’s his time. 

“It’s a little weird to look at a gravestone and see your own name on it just kind of waiting for you, but yeah this makes it a little more special out here for me," he said. “It’ll be an honor to be out here with some of America’s greatest.” 

It’s a similar sentiment for Army veteran Vince Ferguson. He served for 31 years, 20 of those being active duty.

He and some motorcycle buddies always do a Memorial Day ride, and in 2012 they  decided to start at the cemetery. When they got there, 13 years ago, they saw people putting the flags in and lent a helping hand. 

“We started that day and we’ve been doing it every year," Ferguson said. 

He said that first year, there was only five of them. But each year, it grows. 

“I don’t even know what it was this year, I wanna say it was like 40 motorcycles," he said.

Ferguson also has a family member buried here. His brother Robert "Robby" Ferguson also served in the Army.

“Robby’s actually on the front row over here -- he's the sixth or seventh one down," Ferguson said, pointing toward the tombstone. “Being that we can come out here and not only represent the other fallen veterans but to come out here and actually have a family member is really special.” 

Volunteers place American flags in front of veterans' tombstones at the Virginia Veteran Cemetery in Amelia County (Photo: Allison Williams, 8News)

Their dad, Bob Ferguson, representing the Christian Motorcycle Association, said a lot of people get lost in the holiday and having a day off work. But for him, it's a day of reflection.

“It’s a big day for us," he said. “They’re not here that we can shake their hands, so we have to show it in whichever way we can.” 

Sean Flippin, representing American Legion Post 87 and an Army veteran, said when they started putting the flags up in 2012, there were about 2,400 graves. Now, it's up to over 5,700. He said it used to take half a day to put all the flags up. But Thursday, with a growing number of volunteers, it took an hour and 20 minutes. 

The volunteers come from all branches of the military, are family members of someone who served or brought their kids out to teach them the importance of Memorial Day. 

“It’s our honor and a privilege to be able to do this," Flippin said, who brought his children with him. "It's the least that we can do for them.” 

From all of us at 8News to every serviceman and woman, thank you for your sacrifice.