The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3016 scoured each and every grave Saturday at Pineview Memory Gardens in Valley Grande to place a flag on headstones ahead of Memorial Day.

The tradition of honoring the country’s servicemen and women before Memorial Day is something the VFW has done for about five years.

President of the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 3016 Patsy Stone and others double-checked all graves to ensure no one was missed.

“We checked every grave that was marked for any branch of service or war,” she said. “If we missed anyone we apologize for that. We tried desperately to check the headstones.”

The sun and the bit of heat didn’t hinder Senior Vice Commander of Post 3016 Rayburn Hill’s efforts to place every flag he had into the ground.

“They made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can be here to witness what’s going on in the world today,” Hill said. “They paid the ultimate price — their lives.”

On Memorial Day, Hill wants all Americans to do one thing.

“Take a moment of silence,” he said. “Be thankful these people have done what they’ve done.”

The two organizations weren’t the only ones who dedicated their time to commemorate those who served.

Area Cub Scouts from Pack 31 and Pack 98 went to work by digging holes for flag placements. Allen Cozadd of Pack 31 said it felt great to give a little for those who gave their all.

“It’s a very important commemoration, and we wanted to help out,” he said. “It’s a chance to give back a little bit, when you look and think about the service these men and women have made.”