UPDATE: Flags will indeed fly at Riverside National Cemetery for Veterans Day this year, as union volunteers step in following the cancellation of an official flag placement event due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
The Inland Empire’s Local 951 and Local 909 chapters of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters have announced they will continue the beloved tradition on Saturday, November 8, 2023. More than 300 union carpenter volunteers and their families are set to gather in the morning to place nearly 3,000 U.S. flags at the graves of veterans, ensuring that heroes are not forgotten.
This year’s effort is a significant reduction compared to the over 270,000 flags typically placed by the nonprofit organization Honoring Our Fallen, which has canceled its event due to “significant staffing reductions” and “logistical challenges” arising from the shutdown. According to Honoring Our Fallen, these challenges include limited access to facilities and difficulties with trash management and traffic control.
Alex Madrid, a representative for the union, emphasized the importance of honoring veterans, noting that many members have loved ones buried at Riverside National Cemetery. “We have members with family buried there, and a lot of our own members are buried there,” Madrid said. “It means a lot to the organization to honor our veterans. We had a lot who were saying, ‘What could we do?’”
The union volunteers will remove the flags on Wednesday, November 12, 2023. In a statement, Local 951 expressed that “when the government shuts down, service doesn’t stop,” showcasing the commitment of these union carpenters to maintaining a sense of patriotism and respect for the fallen.
Despite the shutdown, military interments at Riverside National Cemetery will continue, remaining open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Organizers encourage individuals to place their own flags in honor of veterans, ensuring that the spirit of remembrance persists.
This urgent initiative not only highlights the dedication of local unions but also reflects the community’s commitment to honoring those who served. The event will undoubtedly resonate with families and friends of veterans, as well as all who value the sacrifices made for freedom.
Expect updates as the flag placement event unfolds, and join the conversation on social media as the community comes together to honor its heroes.
