American Legion recognizes veterans

David Beaver, of American Legion Post 210, places flags at the graves of veterans buried at Callaway Memorial Gardens in honor of Memorial Day.
David Beaver, of American Legion Post 210, places flags at the graves of veterans buried at Callaway Memorial Gardens in honor of Memorial Day.

American Legion Post 210 has placed flags at the graves of veterans buried at Callaway Memorial Gardens.

The group started the tradition shortly after World War II, David Beaver said.

In addition to decorating graves at Hillcrest Cemetery and Southside Cemetery in Fulton, the American Legion sends flags to any rural cemetery that requests them. In total, about 1,500 flags will fly across Callaway County by Memorial Day.

If a veteran in one of Fulton's cemeteries is overlooked, Beaver can be reached at 573-642-5479. He'll also leave flags with the maintenance crews at each cemetery.