HOUSTON — Flags are flying in honor of service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Houston National Cemetery welcomed multiple groups for the annual Memorial Day flag planting on Sunday.
"We have a lot of people who come up to us and thank us for a service, but it’s not about thanking us for our service. It’s about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Carlos Rodriguez with the Tejano Veterans Association.
Boy Scout Troop 1333 is one of many stretched across every acre of the Houston National Cemetery, placing American flags for each man and woman laid to rest there.
"I think it’s important to do because we have to respect all the people who have fought," said scout Wyatt Aguilar.
With veteran leaders in this troop, they've adopted a procedure. As each flag is planted, their names and ranks are read aloud. They said rain, shine or sunny and humid, this act of service must be done.
"They didn’t get a day off and serving our country doing one day. Here is very small comparison," said assistant scoutmaster James Vultaggio.
This troop is in good company. Family, friends and others from groups like the Tejano Veterans Association and Houston Millennials, helped fulfill this mission.
"Today is not only about planting flags, but about planting seeds of gratitude," said Ivan Sanchez with Houston Millennials.
This, they said isn't a weekend for fun, but a time to reflect, allowing the rows of flags to symbolize respect.
"Just to come back and show our respects to those who are no longer here with us," Rodriguez said.