Good Deeds: Scout helps decorate veterans’ graves at Resthaven

The American flag represents the life of a soldier.

The flag represents the millions of people who have served under its colors.

It represents countless millions who have ever pledged their allegiance to it.

To many, it is an honor to hold the flag and place it on this Memorial Day weekend.

For the past four years, Jared Jacobs has been among 25 Boy Scouts who help prepare veterans’ graves at Resthaven Mortuary, which annually hosts one of the largest Memorial Day observances in Kansas. More than 5,000 veterans’ graves are decorated with flags, said Mark Hansen, general manager of Resthaven.

“It is to help out the families that come out here and recognize them as veterans,” said Jacobs, 16.

Originally, Jacobs’ motive was to earn service hours for his Eagle Scout award. He needed six hours; he has 48.

Hansen says the Scouts make a huge difference by volunteering to place the medallions and flags on the graves.

“I’m not a veteran but it is something we can do to show appreciation for them,” Hansen said. “It means a lot to me to show our support on a daily basis for their ultimate sacrifice.”

This story was originally published May 25, 2014 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Good Deeds: Scout helps decorate veterans’ graves at Resthaven ."