Union Volunteers to Place Flags at Riverside Cemetery for Veterans Day

UPDATE: In a significant turn of events, veterans buried at Riverside National Cemetery will be honored with flags this November despite the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. A nonprofit’s annual flag-placing event was initially canceled due to logistical challenges, but local union carpenters are stepping in to ensure that heroes are remembered.

On Saturday, November 8, 2023, over 300 volunteers from the Inland Local 951 and Local 909 chapters of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters will gather at the cemetery to place nearly 3,000 U.S. flags at veterans’ graves. This effort comes after officials with Honoring Our Fallen announced the cancellation of their traditional flag placement event and Veterans Day ceremony scheduled for November 11, 2023, citing “significant staffing reductions” and “logistical challenges.”

While this year’s flag count will fall drastically short of the usual 270,000 flags placed during these events, union representatives emphasize the importance of honoring those who served. Alex Madrid, a representative for the union, stated, “When the government shuts down, service doesn’t stop. These union carpenters are proving that patriotism and respect for our fallen never take a day off.”

The union members, along with their families, have taken it upon themselves to purchase their own flags. Traditionally, the flag placement event includes participation from Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, businesses, and various volunteer groups, all coming together to honor veterans during Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Madrid expressed the emotional significance of this initiative, noting that many union members have family members buried at the cemetery. “It means a lot to the organization to honor our veterans. We had a lot who were saying, ‘What could we do?’” he added.

The flags will be placed in a designated section of Riverside National Cemetery, which remains open to the public from sunrise to sunset during the government shutdown. Organizers encourage individuals to bring their own flags to honor veterans as well.

Union volunteers plan to remove the flags on Wednesday, November 12, 2023, marking a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices made by military personnel. This grassroots effort underscores the community’s commitment to remembering fallen heroes, even in challenging times.

As the government continues its shutdown, the spirit of service remains alive at Riverside National Cemetery, demonstrating that honor and remembrance can prevail despite bureaucratic obstacles. Share this urgent news to spread awareness of this vital community effort honoring our veterans.