A flag raising ceremony was held Thursday morning at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville ahead of Memorial Day.

The community came out to help put up flags that line the cemetery. There was then a speech given by Marion County Director of Veterans Affairs Rob Bandstra, where he talked about the importance of gathering together this weekend to remember the service and sacrifice of those who served our country.  The ceremony concluded with Three Volleys and Taps. Curt Froyen with the Knoxville American Legion Post said Memorial Day is a great day to remember those who served.

“It’s a wonderful way for us to honor those who have fallen in service to their country. It’s a reminder that freedom isn’t free. It’s a great reminder of the importance of all those men and women who have served our country over the years, but especially today we remember those who have fallen.”

There were also new gravestone crosses presented that were made by students at Knoxville High School in Sean Sanger’s manufacturing class.