More than 165 volunteers are expected at Saint John’s Cemetery on Wednesday as Worcester County’s annual Flag Day placement ceremony returns for its seventh year
More than 5,000 American flags will be placed on the graves of military veterans at Saint John’s Cemetery on Wednesday morning as local volunteers gather for Worcester County’s annual Flag Day placement ceremony ahead of Memorial Day.
The event, now in its seventh year, is organized by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with veteran organizations, community groups and volunteers from across the region.
More than 165 volunteers are expected to participate in the effort at Saint John’s Cemetery on Cambridge Street, where rows of veterans’ graves will be marked with American flags in preparation for Memorial Day observances later this month.
The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will include the national anthem, posting of the colors, remarks from local officials and a blessing of the flags, according to the announcement.
Volunteers from the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association, East Side Post 201 of the American Legion, Main South Post 341, Civil Air Patrol and Blue Star Mothers of America are expected to take part.
Following the flag placement, organizers plan to host volunteers for lunch at the main staging area. The lunch is being provided by veteran and Mercadante Funeral Home owner Kevin Mercadante, according to the announcement.
“Our Annual Flag Day event continues to inspire me year after year,” Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said in the release. “The incredible support from our community is a powerful reflection of the patriotism and respect for service members that runs deep throughout Worcester County.”
Evangelidis said the display of thousands of flags throughout the cemetery serves as “a moving tribute to the men and women who served our nation.”
The event is supported by a long list of local businesses, organizations and donors, including Rockland Trust Bank, Falcone Enterprises, the Cliff & Susan Rucker Foundation, Diamond Auto Group, Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel and several Worcester-area businesses and community partners.
