Students set flags for Memorial Day at National Cemetery : The Beaufort Tribune Newspaper, Beaufort SC Newspapers

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Students set flags for Memorial Day at National Cemetery

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Monday, May 31 is Memorial Day. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service. As in years past school, church, and community groups have placed flags on all the graves honoring those lost in protecting our freedoms.

Six public school groups are journeying to Beaufort National Cemetery to place flags on the graves. Two Cub Scout Groups will also participate this week.

This is a huge demonstration of patriotism from our local community. According to Beaufort National Cemetery Director, Bernard P. Bowse, there are about 20,000 individuals, both veterans and family members, buried at the cemetery. Additionally, there are approximately 3,500 unknown soldiers included in that amount. The current National Cemetery which started out as 29 acres now encompasses 49 beautiful acres. The newer addition was ready for burials in 2007.

Riverview Charter School began the weeklong process by placing flags on the graves in the newer area of the cemetery. In charge was Pat Simmons, who gave the children exact directions on how to place the flags. The flags have to placed a certain length from the center of the headstone. All have to be exact.

Pat has held the position of Program Assistant/Cemetery Representative for five years. Her local roots grow deep. Her grandmother, Mary Maggie Smalls, was a midwife on St. Helena and helped deliver over 2,000 babies into this world. Pat’s care for those buried at the cemetery is as near as the beginning of life vs. the end of life.

Four Riverview teachers assisted their students today: Ms. Mary Falcon, Ms. Karri Comeau, Mrs. Betsy Rhatigan, and Mrs. Betsy Holloway. Additionally many mothers and one dad were there to keep close look over the flock. And they did indeed. The children did an amazing job.

For all, it was especially touching that there happened to be three children who actually placed flags on their own ancestor’s graves. Siblings, Cydney and Christopher Boggs, placed flags on two relatives’ graves: John Furman, Jr. and Donald Furman. Christiana Ahders-Oehring placed a flag on her grandfather, William Ahder’s, resting place and then Eliza Akers placed a flag in honor of her grandfather, James F. Gibbs.

It is inspiring to drive into Beaufort National Cemetery, commissioned by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. When one looks around, a feeling of pride and gratitude overcomes one. To think that these men and women fought for our country is a testament to our lasting Constitution.

On Memorial Day, go visit, and see all the flags placed. Maybe in one way or another, it will be a time to say a prayer for those defending our great country.

Thanks to Lisa Clancey and Kelly McGowan for article and photos.

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