Bakersfield, CA -- A few hundred people gathered at the Bakersfield National Cemetery Saturday morning, to place flags at the graves of our fallen service members. It's an annual tradition community members say they're honored to be a part of.
People of all ages gathered at the Bakersfield National Cemetery to honor and remember our fallen veterans.
Cub Scout Christian Nielsen said, "There are a lot of people who have fought for us and protect us and they've sacrificed themselves to keep us safe."
A flag proudly waves next to each of the 2,469 graves at the cemetery.
Deloris Hawk takes part in the event each year -- to remember her husband. Hawk said, "It's been four years in August, since he passed. It means a lot and also to teach my children and my grandchildren, who is here with me now in the Junior ROTC at BHS, Airman first class. It shows him the pride and the sacrifice that these veterans has done."
For some it's an annual tradition, for others, it's their first time. Sarah Owens searched for the name of a close friend, so she could have the honor of placing a flag next to his grave.
"He was a really good friend of ours and we miss him a lot," said Owens.
While she takes time to honor those who have lost their lives, she also thinks of our active military members.
Owens said, "This is important to me, I have a brother in the military and every day I just hope he comes home safe."
A day of remembrance and a time of reflection on this Memorial Day weekend.
"I am so proud, I look forward to this every year, to come out here and see all the flags being placed and all the people who are helping to place these flags out here for our veterans who have gone," said Hawk.
A Memorial Day ceremony will be held Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. There will be a blue star memorial ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Monday. The public is invited to attend both events.
People of all ages gathered at the Bakersfield National Cemetery to honor and remember our fallen veterans.
Cub Scout Christian Nielsen said, "There are a lot of people who have fought for us and protect us and they've sacrificed themselves to keep us safe."
A flag proudly waves next to each of the 2,469 graves at the cemetery.
Deloris Hawk takes part in the event each year -- to remember her husband. Hawk said, "It's been four years in August, since he passed. It means a lot and also to teach my children and my grandchildren, who is here with me now in the Junior ROTC at BHS, Airman first class. It shows him the pride and the sacrifice that these veterans has done."
For some it's an annual tradition, for others, it's their first time. Sarah Owens searched for the name of a close friend, so she could have the honor of placing a flag next to his grave.
"He was a really good friend of ours and we miss him a lot," said Owens.
While she takes time to honor those who have lost their lives, she also thinks of our active military members.
Owens said, "This is important to me, I have a brother in the military and every day I just hope he comes home safe."
A day of remembrance and a time of reflection on this Memorial Day weekend.
"I am so proud, I look forward to this every year, to come out here and see all the flags being placed and all the people who are helping to place these flags out here for our veterans who have gone," said Hawk.
A Memorial Day ceremony will be held Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery. There will be a blue star memorial ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Monday. The public is invited to attend both events.