JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds turned up to pay their respects to fallen military service members by volunteers to place flags on the graves.
It’s a yearly tradition ahead of Memorial Day but this year cemetery officials said it was the biggest turn out they’ve ever seen.
There was a more than two-mile back up of cars trying to get to the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Thursday.
More than 11,000 flags were put at grave sites of fallen service members thanks to 600+ volunteers. Great job Jacksonville! @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/jdcsCVQkZS
— Lorena Inclán (@LorenaANjax) May 25, 2017
PIC: result of today's volunteer project at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Missed out? They need help taking flags down Tuesday @ 2:30 p.m. pic.twitter.com/ZmGW9KUmcu
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) May 25, 2017
After Action News Jax's story aired Tuesday about the need for volunteers, hundreds answered the call for help much like the way those who are buried at the cemetery answered the call to protect and serve.
People from adults to children and those still in uniform showed up to help place flags.
“It's not about barbecuing and hanging out with family, it's really to honor those who have fallen,” Ashley Racy said.
Wise words from Abraham Lincoln. pic.twitter.com/lAvg3DPchQ
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) May 25, 2017
Photos: Huge turnout to place flags at veterans' graves
Spotted this group of volunteer soldiers. So many service men and women came out. VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/ZIPGvzmFCm
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) May 25, 2017
That’s exactly what more than 600 people did Thursday.
“I think our troops are amazing and I think it's great that we have such respect for them in this community,” Lisa Kelly said.
More than 11,000 flags adorned the graves. Cemetery officials checked each section to ensure every grave got a flag.
“Never in a million years would I expect that this many people would've shown up,” said Al Richburg, Jacksonville National Cemetery Director.
Richburg said it took only 40 minutes to place flags on all the graves.
Creeks Baseball Club out of St. Johns County brought more than 100 volunteers (players and their families). pic.twitter.com/1bMFK8DtGg
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) May 25, 2017
Beautiful bells over Jacksonville National Cemetery. 🔔 The tower plays more than 200 songs. VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/ZN7KugibyX
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) May 25, 2017
Air Force veteran Jessica Thompson and her daughter, Courtney, were among the volunteers
“I just really love to see Jacksonville come together and really support our soldiers,” Thompson said.
For them, it’s the least they could do.
“Because they want to help us,” Courtney Thompson said.
If you didn’t get a chance to volunteer Thursday, there’s still time. Volunteers are wanted for Tuesday, May 30, at 2:30 p.m. to help pick up the flags.
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