Scouts Honor Fallen Soldiers for Memorial Day

Thousands of Boy and Girl Scouts from around the Bay Area, including packs and troops from Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, placed small American flags on more than 112,000 graves in observance of Memorial Day Saturday, May 25, at the Golden Gate National Cemetery on Sneath Lane in San Bruno.

The event was part of the annual Good Turn Gravesite Decoration, to honor the men and women who bravely served the country. 

Golden Gate National Cemetery is one 131 national cemeteries located in 39 states. The cemetery grounds are the final resting place of more than 137,000 servicemen and women, set on 161 acres.

The Pacific Skyline Council, Boys Scouts of America, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs invited everyone to take part in Saturday’s event, which has been a Memorial Day tradition in the Bay Area for more than 50 years. 

During the flag placing, the American flag was lowered to half-staff to honor those who have died in the nation's service.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier and state Senator Jerry Hill were guest speakers at the Good Turn Gravesite Decoration, and Chaplain (Col.) Leo McArdle, U.S. Volunteers-America, was master of ceremonies.

"Thank you for what you are about to do," said Senator Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, applauding the volunteers who return every year to place flags at soldiers' graves.

After a short ceremony remembering veterans who lost their lives while trying to keep us free, the volunteers took over the cemetery known as "Arlington West" and placed flags at all 112,000 graves.

On June 1 the Scouts will return to the Golden Gate National Cemetery for Flag Take Down Day.