News Summary
Residents of Williamsburg gathered at Cedar Grove Cemetery for the annual flag-setting event to honor veterans ahead of Memorial Day. Over 600 flags were placed on veterans’ graves, including unmarked ones, with support from local organizations. The event, which began with a handful of participants, now engages 45 to 100 volunteers each year. The significance of this gathering highlights the community’s dedication to remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the country, emphasizing historical contributions and the importance of preserving their legacy.
Williamsburg residents gathered at Cedar Grove Cemetery on Thursday morning to participate in the annual flag-setting event, paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The timing of this event, held each year just ahead of Memorial Day, allows the community to honor the veterans and remind everyone of the importance of their sacrifice.
During the event, more than 600 flags were placed on the graves of veterans, including those buried in unmarked graves. This initiative involved collaboration with several local organizations, including the Rotary Club of James City County, the Salvation Army of Williamsburg, the Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution, the Ann Wager Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and members of the local police and fire departments. The presence of these organizations underscores the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans.
The significance of the flag-setting event has grown over the years. It was initially organized by the Disabled American Veterans’ Patrick Henry Chapter two decades ago with merely four participants, one of whom was a wheelchair-bound World War II veteran. In stark contrast, the event now draws between 45 and 100 volunteers each year, demonstrating a substantial increase in community involvement and support. The Cedar Grove Historical Society also plays a vital role in the flag-setting activity, contributing to both its success and the preservation of the cemetery’s historical legacy.
Capt. Katie Bernabe from the Williamsburg Salvation Army emphasized the honor and privilege associated with remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This sentiment reflects the collective appreciation and respect felt by all participants during the event. Volunteers, like Douglas Cook from the Cedar Grove Historical Society, dedicate their time to also clean and maintain headstones, enhancing the overall reverence of the cemetery and ensuring that the history it holds remains accessible to future generations.
Cook drew attention to notable graves within Cedar Grove Cemetery, including those of Christen M. Thoneson, a World War I veteran who died in France, and Albert W. Durant Sr., Williamsburg’s first Black magistrate. Highlighting these individuals not only commemorates their contributions but also reinforces the historical significance of the cemetery itself.
The event serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s bonds and its shared history, as well as the sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed today. Residents are encouraged to participate in future Memorial Day flag-setting events, ensuring that the legacy of their fallen heroes is not forgotten.
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the Civil War, with a notable observance first taking place in 1868. It was officially designated as a federal holiday in 1971, celebrated on the last Monday of May. This holiday continues to serve as a time for reflection, respect, and recognition of those veterans who gave their lives in service to the country.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Cedar Grove Cemetery Honors the Fallen for Memorial Day
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- Pilot Online: Memorial Day Flag Setting in Williamsburg
- Google Search: Memorial Day
- WYDaily: Memorial Day Events in the Historic Triangle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
- Williamsburg Families: July 4th in Yorktown
- Google News: Cedar Grove Cemetery
