STURGIS, S.D. – Thousands honored fallen service members through the Memorial Day program at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Just outside Sturgis, families and volunteers gathered Monday to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for the country.
About a thousand volunteers placed 26,000 flags in the days leading up to the Memorial Day.
Organizer Kris Mattson says every grave gets a flag and a thank you.
First time volunteer and retire Air Force member Rick Johnson said the experience is powerful and moving, and he plans to return next year.
Plus, the Black Hills honor guard honored the fallen Monday with performances at three area cemeteries; St Aloysius, Bear Butte and Fort Meade.
In Rapid City, the Black Hills War Monument Association held a ceremony honoring Black Hills military members who died in service from World War I to the present. The ceremony was held at the Monument site in Memorial Park.
