Volunteers honor forgotten veterans in rural cemeteries

MADISON COUNTY, Ky (WTVQ)-Two years ago you wouldn’t have seen nearly as many American flags at Flatwoods Cemetery in Waco. But one local funeral director is helping to make sure every veteran in Madison county is remembered this coming Memorial Day.

Spencer Guiley funeral director at “Combs, Parsons & Collins” visits rural cemeteries often in his line of work, and noticed many veterans not being paid the same respect as others .

Guiley says, “I mean Richmond Cemetery and Madison Memorial Gardens, of course, are large and they’re taken care of by local veterans groups. But that’s why we are trying to focus on the more rural, local cemeteries that may have been forgotten otherwise.”

Last year he grabbed a few friends and covered about 20 rural cemeteries, putting out about 300 flags. Now with the help of a two dozen volunteers he’s set to put out more than double.

Madison County Historical Properties Director Phillip Seyfrit says, “We have marked veterans graves from every single armed conflict our country has had: from the Revolutionary War, through the Civil War, through World War II and up through the War on Terror.  And these veterans that have gone on to their great reward are our national treasure.”

The group is on track to put out total of 744 flags, mostly paid for by private donations. Guiley says he wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help from the community.

The volunteers are just about done for this year. If you’d like to donate or participate next year, you can find more information on the group’s Facebook page.