Flags were raised at the Graceland Cemetery early Thursday morning, to put up the Avenue of Flags.

The ceremony included a brief memorial at the Veteran’s Plot after the flag raising. There was a free breakfast for all participants following the ceremony.

Mike Kuhn, Executive Director for the Commission of Veteran Affairs tells KNIA/KRLS News what Memorial Day stands for, “I think Memorial Day has the basic meaning for most people and especially the veteran community, is honoring those veterans who have passed away and paying service to their memory. And also to the families and the others who have supported veterans over the years. It’s certainly a time of acknowledging their service and the gratefulness of a nation for all those who have served and helped make this country what it is today.” 

The flags will be taken down Tuesday, May 30 at 3 p.m. 

Kuhn felt the event went well Thursday; his friend Nolan, from Des Moines played taps.