Volunteers gather to memorialize the fallen
In a display of respect and appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, numerous local groups placed a total of 1,500 flags on veterans’ gravesites on Saturday morning at the Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery.
“We’re standing here because of them,” said Vietnam Army veteran Bob Bentz, who wanted to come help honor the lives of his fellow comrades.
The annual placement marked the beginning of Memorial Weekend.
Several area groups, including American Legion Post 22, Cubs Scouts, Girl Scouts of Elk Grove, and Tokay High School’s football team, went out to support those who have served our country.
“As Lodi’s neighbor, we thought it would be a good volunteer opportunity,” said Kara Joseph, the service team coordinator for the Girls Scouts troop. “This is our first time out to this event as we wanted to increase awareness for our Girl Scouts, reminding them it’s not just a three-day weekend, but a special holiday honoring vets.”
Tokay High football coach Michael Holst said the flag placement has been a yearly tradition for the program for eight years running.
“We have a senior player going into the Navy and one going into the Army … we get to play because of (the veterans’) sacrifice for them,” Holst said. “The team comes out to volunteer and remember the lives of those lost in the armed forces. This is a great way to honor those who have been in the military and served, whether they died in action or off the battlefield,” Holst said.
A flag was placed on each gravesite by veterans, football players, Scout members, and volunteers. One of the goals of this event is to share the importance of Memorial Day with younger generations.
Peyton Price and William Wallace, two Eagle Scouts from Lodi that have friends since kindergarten, walked down each row of gravesites, reading names on each headstone and placing flags at the top. “We are helping serve and honor veterans that served us,” Wallace said.
Recently promoted to “Tiger Scout,” 8-year-old Caleb Adams of Lodi was proud to be there volunteering with his scouts, as he is increasingly becoming more involved with the organization.
Adams’ grandfather Howard served in World War II and was sent to Pearl Harbor.
“He served as a trainee for launching missile systems off Mohr’s Island,” said Caleb’s father, Guy Adams. Howard Adams was cremated in 1991, and the family was glad to be honoring his service.