Honoring Heroes One Flag at a Time

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Rows of white headstones stretch across the hills at Chattanooga National Cemetery, each one a name, a rank, a sacrifice. 

This weekend, hundreds of people walked among them, planting small American flags to mark the lives of those who served and gave all.

It’s a time-honored tradition that dates back more than 150 years. 

Originally known as Decoration Day, this act of remembrance began shortly after the Civil War as a way to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags.

 It’s carried on by communities across the country, and in Chattanooga, it’s no different. 

From veterans to volunteers, scout troops to military families, people from every generation showed up with flags in hand, determined to honor those who can no longer stand.

Each flag is placed by hand, centered at the base of the headstone, standing just a few inches tall. 

It’s a small gesture, but when you see thousands fluttering together, it becomes a powerful symbol of gratitude and national pride.

The Chattanooga National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 50,000 service members, including Medal of Honor recipients, World War veterans, and those lost in more recent conflicts. 

And for every single one of them, there is a flag.

While Memorial Day is often associated with parades, barbecues, and a long weekend, ceremonies like this remind us of the day’s true purpose: to remember the men and women who laid down their lives for freedom.

And through this simple, quiet tradition, placing one flag at a time, their legacy lives on.