On the last Monday of May, Memorial Day in the United States remembers those brave servicemen and women who fought and died for our freedom. It’s an American tradition that stretches back to the end of Civil War, though it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

Each year, just before Memorial Day, local county offices provide American flags to decorate the graves of deceased service members who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines or any other organization officially connected to those groups, and whose separation from service was honorable, whether by discharge or otherwise, and who are interred within the county.

The county coordinates with and furnishes flags to Catasauqua American Legion Post 215 to ensure cemeteries in their respective communities are decorated before the Memorial Day holiday. In the days leading up to the holiday, volunteers from Post 215 place flags on veterans’ graves at Fairview Cemetery in Whitehall.

Volunteer involvement is critical in safeguarding our nation’s legacy, upheld by our service members and veterans.

It’s important to remember the flag is not just a symbol. It also represents the lives of our veterans and honors their dedicated service to our country.