Union Volunteers to Honor Veterans with Flags Amid Shutdown

UPDATE: Union volunteers will place 3,000 U.S. flags at Riverside National Cemetery this Saturday, Nov. 8, 2023, honoring veterans despite the government shutdown halting the official ceremony.

In a show of unwavering patriotism, members from the Inland Local 951 and Local 909 chapters of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters are stepping up to ensure that heroes are not forgotten this Veterans Day. The nonprofit Honoring Our Fallen had to cancel its traditional flag placement event and the Veterans Day ceremony due to “significant staffing reductions” and “logistical challenges,” leaving a gap in honoring the over 270,000 veterans buried at the site.

More than 300 union carpenter volunteers and their families will gather in the morning to place flags at gravesites in one section of the cemetery. Although this effort will fall short of the usual numbers provided by the nonprofit, it demonstrates the community’s commitment to remembering those who served.

“When the government shuts down, service doesn’t stop,” said a Local 951 news release. “These union carpenters are proving that patriotism and respect for our fallen never take a day off.”

Union representative Alex Madrid emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “We have members with family buried there, and a lot of our own (union) members are buried there. It means a lot to the organization to honor our veterans.” The carpenters have purchased their own flags, reflecting their dedication to this cause.

Typically, this event is a joint effort involving various community groups, including Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, and businesses. The annual flag placement is held before Memorial Day and Veterans Day, with volunteers planting flags and later removing them after the holidays.

Despite the cancellation of the official ceremony, the cemetery remains open for military interments from sunrise to sunset during the shutdown. Members of the public are also invited to place their own flags at gravesites, further honoring the sacrifices made by veterans.

The flags will be removed on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2023, marking the end of this heartfelt tribute. As the nation grapples with the implications of the ongoing government shutdown, this community effort serves as a powerful reminder that respect for fallen heroes transcends bureaucratic hurdles.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and consider sharing this news to honor those who served.