There are over 4,500 graves of veterans at Lake View Cemetery, and the efforts of volunteers resulted in 1,260 flags being placed at Soldier’s Circle within the first 30 minutes of the event.

Various volunteers voiced their support and reason for attending and participating in the event.

“Anything we could do to help the veterans out, we were game, all hands on,” said Ken See, who left work early to go to the event. “My great-grandfather was in World War II, and I don’t know. It just brings tingles to help a little bit that I can.”

Jeff Bloomquist, a Vietnam War veteran, also shared his reasons to support the event.

From left, John and Logan of Cub Scout Pack 135 are pictured Thursday placing flags at Soldier’s Circle in Lake View Cemetery to remember the brave men that died protecting our country.

“(It’s important) to remember your comrades who have gone before you and have died in combat,” he said.

Various Cub Scout packs were also present planting flags.

“The Cub Scouts have had a long tradition of being there for veterans,” said Andrew Johnston, leader of Pack 135. “Back during the world wars, they had the victory gardens for them and held scrap drives to raise money to help support them, so in my mind it’s important to keep that tradition going.”

Joe Paladino, an Iraq War veteran, shared his thoughts about the event put on by his wife and the United Veterans Council.

“Humbling is the best way to explain it,” he said. “It’s an honor to be here and an honor to stand here.”

Soldier’s Circle, pictured here, features the headstones of military veterans. On Thursday, various volunteers placed flags at their headstones to show their support for those who gave their lives for the country. P-J photos by Nikk Holland

Melodie Paladino of the United Veterans Council of Jamestown explained the significance of this event.

“The importance of this event goes a long way back for me,” Paladino said. “My grandfather was a veteran, I have three uncles that are veterans, my husband is a veteran and all of his side of the family has veterans as well. It’s very deep and dear for us.”

Paladino also noted the significance of the event’s full return after having to limit it last year due to the pandemic.

“It’s amazing to be back at the status we are,” she said. “We’re very disappointed that we couldn’t do the parade and can’t have the full ceremony we normally would have because that is truly how we honor everybody. Being able to do this is a blessing.”

She also voiced her appreciation of those who came and participated in the event.

“We’re very grateful for the veterans and the volunteers that came out and help us,” Paladino said. “Normally we have over 200 people that help us, but, because of the given circumstances, we were very limited.”

Paladino said a Memorial Day ceremony will be held Monday at 11:30 a.m. at Soldier’s Circle in the Lake View Cemetery. Mayor Eddie Sundquist will be present to place the city’s flag while the United Veterans Council places theirs.

After all the headstones were marked with a flag, Paladino dedicated them.

“In the name of the United Veterans Council of Jamestown, we now dedicate these flags,” she said. “May they fly perpetually as the emblems of the cause for which we fought. Ever safe within their folds is the freedom and loyalty to our nation.”

Paladino continued, “We place these flags to honor the memory of those who offered their lives in service of our country. Proudly we remember their service in times of war. May these flags remind our community that, because of our comrades great sacrifice, we are free and our nation lives.”