27-05-2025
Paying respect for those who lay before us at the Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, S.D. (KELO) — The Black Hills National Cemetery just outside of Sturgis has thousands of family members paying respects for their loved ones who gave their life for this country.
Each year around 1,000 people volunteer to place these flags and help out in any way they can to recognize those who lay before them.
'We're placing 26,000 flags center and 12-inches back of every headstone. To honor we read their name, we thank them for their service and we move on to the next one. So that every grave here will have a flag and a thank you.' Organizer Kris Mattson said.
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Rick Johnson, a retired Air Force member, volunteered for the first time this year.
'It grows on you right away. You meet people, I think there's probably some friendships that get established out of this. I certainly look forward to doing this every year and it's a very solemn thing to see.' Johnson said.
'There are people that salute everyone, there are people that cry. You know, it means a lot and it's a way to say thank you for our freedom.' Mattson said.
In addition to veterans, families were out paying their respects through multiple generations.
'It's good that they introduce their children and their grandchildren so they get an understanding of what this country is about but more importantly the people it took to get it where we are today. This is the place for that journey to begin.' Johnson said.
The over 100 acres of land at the cemetery is open for all who want to say thank you and pay their respects almost year round if you miss out this Memorial Day.
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