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Children volunteer services by planting flags on gravesites

Brianna Payne, 12, and her 8-year-old brother, Jordan, place a U.S. flag on a gravestone at Sunset Memorial Garden in Grand Forks city on May 25, 2012, in commemoration of Memorial Day. The children were among 225 volunteers from Grand Forks Air Force Base who helped with the project, co-sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Flack)

Base volunteers plant Memorial Day flags in Grand Forks

About 225 volunteers from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., helped honor fallen veterans by placing U.S. flags on graves at Sunset Memorial Gardens, pictured here, and Memorial Park Cemetery, both in nearby Grand Forks city, on May 25, 2012, in advance of Memorial Day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Flack)

Grand Forks Air Force Base boy scout plants flags on Memorial Day

Caleb Thieme, 10, of Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., prepares to place a U.S. flag on a grave at Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks city on May 25, 2012, in advance of Memorial Day. Thieme, a member of the base’s Boy Scout Troop 319, was among about 225 base volunteers who helped with the project, co-sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Flack)

Base volunteers honor fallen veterans

Published May 30, 2012
By Tim Flack
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- About 225 base residents volunteered to help honor the fallen on May 25, 2012, blanketing two local cemeteries in red, white and blue American flags in honor of Memorial Day.

Local members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans organizations run a project each year to place flags on the graves of fallen veterans. They reach out to the base for assistance at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks city.

Scott Ross, a member of the VFW and DAV and civilian Air Force employee, said he was happy to see sunny skies, a huge crowd, and - most importantly - a lot of young volunteers.

"I think it gives them pride in honoring our veterans," he said. "It's something they can give back for the service the veterans gave to support and defend our country.

"Without that dedication by the little children, people will forget," said Ross, a retired Air Force master sergeant.

John Hanson, national legislative officer with the North Dakota VFW, agreed.

"They find out what it's all about, that way they'll grow up with respect for the fallen and the veterans," he said.

Bob Greene, the commander of Grand Forks American Legion Post #6, said the volunteer turnout was overwhelming.

"Within 10 minutes, had all (1,100) flags distributed and within 30 minutes we had all the sites covered" at Memorial Park, he said.

Greene said the families of the fallen veterans were appreciative of the work.

"Whenever they walk through during Memorial weekend, they approach me and tell me how grateful they are to be able to see the flags on the gravesites," he said.
Master Sgt. John Payne volunteered with his wife, Jessica, daughter, Brianna, and son, Jordan.

Payne, who spent eight years with the Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., said Friday's event was a way to connect his children with their own heritage. His father, their grandfather, served in the Army. He passed away in 1983, and the children never got to know their grandfather.

"I told them that for every grave they place a flag on today is like putting one on their grandfather's grave," he said. "Hopefully down the road it'll be something they reflect on and appreciate even more."

Master Sgt. Jerald Thomas, who helped coordinate the project along with Master Sgt. Lester Nicholas, said the base volunteers had a positive impact.

"There were veterans there who were cleaning up the cemetery," on Friday, Thomas explained. "They were very appreciative and thankful for the crowd that showed up."