Flags Flying High For Fallen Soldiers

Hundreds of flags will be flying high at Floral Haven this Memorial Day weekend.

The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports for many, this weekend is just about barbequing and swimming, but for the hundreds of family members who helped raise flags Memorial Day weekend is about so much more.

Memorial Day means something different for Corporal Boe Burnett.

"It's prideful, but it's painful as well," said Cpl. Burnett.

He's served two tours of duty in Iraq and wants to go back again.

"Here, you're allowed to go ahead and sit on our presidents front doorstep, and yell curse words at him. It's a free country that we take for granted too often," said Cpl. Burnett.

But not his brother Geoffrey. The two served in Iraq together. Burnett says he joined the Marines because of him. Now his big brother is buried at Floral Haven.

"He's a good man, a real good man," said Burnett.

The family took part in Floral Haven's Avenue of Flags ceremony. Family of servicemen who have died this year raised hundreds of American flags to honor the fallen.

"It was just awesome, it was a great honor to remember him," said Cora Weatherman.

Cora Weatherman's husband was a Vietnam vet and says seeing his flag go up is beyond words.

"It was very touching. And I'm glad to have my family here," said Edna Zumwalt.

Zumwalt's husband fought inside Hitler's Germany in 1945. Now she says the flag brings him right back.

"I couldn't hardly wait to see the flag go up," said Zumwalt.

Floral Haven has been raising flags for 36 years.

"I know how their heart hurts, and how their life will never, ever be the same," said Cpl. Burnett's Mother Rena Burnett.

Burnett's mom says everyone should come out to the park.

"You just get so proud. Your heart just wants to burst with pride," said Rena Burnett.

Because anyone who sees these flags will see how costly freedom can be.

In total, more than 2,600 American flags are flying this weekend in honor of our veterans.

One of the most striking things about today's ceremony is that there were people ages 8 to 80 raising the flags and there was hardly a dry eye in the entire park.