GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In a moving tribute to American service members, the patriot guard riders placed American flags at the graves of those who’ve served.
Other volunteers also came out to show their support at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Grand Rapids Monday.
5,000 flags were placed at the final resting places for the people who served in the military. The placing of the American colors at Chapel Hill is tradition going back 5 years.
“It’s an honor to do this and it really makes me feel good,” says Tony Van Gessel, a Patriot Guard Rider. “Because I lost a cousin in the Vietnam War.”
It’s a way for the living to salute the service of those buried at Chapel Hill.
“Well I think it’s important to show our respect for those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice,” said Terry Vollmer, whose son died serving in Iraq.
Organizers say this tradition gets bigger every year and that placing so many flags on graves wouldn’t be possible without the help of so many volunteers.
