American Legion Auxiliary Brown-Wright Unit 158
Juniors Place Flags at DeWitt Cemetery

Across Arkansas many flag placement ceremonies in observance of Memorial Day were cancelled due to COVID-19. Organizations and groups across the state had to cancel their plans due to social distancing, but that didn’t stop three local young ladies from walking the rows at DeWitt Cemetery and placing a flag on the graves of each of our military members who are no longer with us.

Before placing the flags in the cemetery, Skylar Purdy, Ashlynne Jenkins and Sydney Purdy attached wooden dowels to the flag poles to extend the length of each pole to ensure that the flag would not touch the ground once placed. Together, they prepared approximately 270 flags.

Then, on Saturday, May 23, 2020 they walked the rows, stopped at each military grave and placed a flag to pay tribute to the many men and women who sacrificed their all for our Country and freedom. Over the past couple of years, the cemetery had been sectioned off by American Legion Auxiliary members and with the list of names in hand, the young ladies set out in sections, making sure that no one was left without a flag proudly waving by their final resting places.

Skylar stated, “Placing the flags is one of the ways I can show respect to the men and women who served and protected our country.” Many may not realize just how many service members are buried at DeWitt Cemetery, but with the flags in place, you can get a sense of just how many there are. “It’s important to put the flags out so people can recognize that there were a lot of people who served,” stated Sydney.

One by one, as they placed the flags, the sound in the cemetery changed. Instead of complete silence, the flags brought a sound of freedom as they proudly waved in the wind.

“Our veterans need to be recognized for what they sacrificed to let people know how many have sacrificed their lives for us,” stated Jenkins.

If you have a family member who served in the military and is buried at DeWitt Cemetery, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #158 would like to learn more about your service members. Email Audrey Purdy at pews@hughespewcushions.com or Charlotte Purdy at charlotte964@centurylink.net with their name, service dates and service locations.