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