Placing small American flags at the head of each veteran’s grave just before the Memorial Day weekend is a deeply respected tradition. A number of veterans and volunteers replaced any old flags with new ones May 16 at Fairview Cemetery in West Catasauqua.

Founded in 1858 by James W. Fuller, the cemetery is best known for its rich military representation. It features a prominent soldiers’ monument erected to honor Civil War veterans, which is recognized as one of the very first memorials of its kind built in the state of Pennsylvania.

This tradition of placing flags on veterans’ graves dates back to the post-Civil War era in 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, citizens honored fallen soldiers by decorating their resting places with flowers and flags.

Beginning May 1 and leading up to Memorial Day, thousands of volunteers and veteran service organizations like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars honor those who dedicated their lives in service to our nation through this simple yet powerful act by uniting in remembrance and gratitude. These groups coordinate to ensure that every veteran’s grave — even in the smallest civilian cemetery — receives an American flag ahead of the holiday.

These flags are placed not only to honor the fallen but to strengthen the bonds among those still here, and each volunteer is reminded that behind every flag lies a story, a name and a legacy worth remembering.

Every flag is more than a symbol; it’s a promise — a promise that we have not forgotten and a promise that service and sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.