At the Marietta National Cemetery, a tradition takes place the Saturday before Memorial Day. It is a time when the community comes together to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The act of placing flags upon their final resting places serves as a poignant reminder of the gratitude and reverence we hold for our fallen heroes.

Marietta National Cemetery encompasses 23 acres of land nestled in Marietta, Georgia. Established in 1866, the cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 18,000 soldiers, veterans, their spouses, and even some children.

Over Memorial Day weekend, thousands of Scouts from various organizations including Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts place American flags on each grave. These flags are a powerful symbol of appreciation for the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes.

Our family took part in the ceremony this morning and I wanted to share a little more about this tradition at Marietta National Cemetery.

Each flag placement represents a small yet significant gesture—a tangible expression of the nation’s gratitude. As Scouts carefully position each flag, they honor the memory of those who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It is a solemn and humbling experience that connects people across generations, reminding us of the debt we owe to those who came before us.  We salute each military member before moving on to the next grave.

The act of placing flags at Marietta National Cemetery is not merely a routine task; it is a profound act of remembrance. As the volunteers walk among the rows of gravestones, they are reminded of the diverse lives and stories etched into the stones before them. Each headstone represents an individual who left loved ones behind, embracing duty and selflessness in service to their country.

Several powerful stories were shared today during the ceremonies by the cemetery historian of those that lay to rest there.  He also shared the history behind the development of the cemetery, including that the location for the cemetery was proposed as the location of the Confederate Capitol.  However, the owner of the property, Henry Greene Cole, refused the offer to sell it for $50,000 because he felt it held a greater purpose.  Henry Green Cole was a Union loyalist, but after the war he offered to donate the land for the burial of both Union and Confederate soldiers to unify the sides through the burial of the fallen.  But, the sides could not reach an agreement.  He finally donated the land in 1866, as a program began to reinter approximately 10,000 Union soldiers that fell during Sherman’s “March to Sea” campaign.

The flag placement tradition is a reminder that the sacrifices of these fallen heroes extend beyond their own lives. They have shaped the course of history, preserving the liberties we hold dear today. By pausing to honor their memory, we acknowledge that their sacrifices were not in vain and that their legacy continues to inspire and guide us.

In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to forget the weight of sacrifice and the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy. The flag placement ceremony serves as a powerful call to remember. It encourages us to reflect upon the values and principles for which our heroes fought, urging us to carry their spirit with us in our daily lives.

While the flag placement ceremony takes place ahead of their Memorial Day Ceremony, the spirit of remembrance and gratitude should extend far beyond this single day. Visiting Marietta National Cemetery throughout the year offers an opportunity for personal reflection, paying tribute to the fallen and ensuring their memory endures. It is a chance to instill in future generations the importance of acknowledging and honoring the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

As we continue this tradition, let us ensure that the memory of their sacrifice lives on, inspiring us to build a brighter future while never forgetting the price that was paid.