Boy Scouts place 55,000 flags on graves to honor veterans

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local Boy Scouts placed more than 55,000 American flags on military grave sites in honor of Memorial Day weekend.

With the help of leaders and parents, the Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America partnered with the Chattanooga National Cemetery off of Holtzclaw Avenue.

The Scouts were thrilled to honor Medal of Honor recipient, Charles Coolidge, on this year’s patch honoring the occasion.

These commemorative patches were provided by event partner Elks Lodge 91 of Chattanooga.

Jared Pickens, Scout Executive/CEO of the Cherokee Area Council said of the event, “It is truly incredible to see this service provided to our community by these young people. This is a fantastic learning experience for our Scouts – to respect the service of those laid to rest in this sacred place.”

Scouts also provided similar service last weekend at the Festival of Flags in Ringgold, Georgia and this weekend in Cleveland, Tennessee at the Bradley County Courthouse and several area cemeteries throughout nearby counties.