NORTH HOLLYWOOD ? A troop of Boy Scouts, military veterans and Burbank community members traversed Valhalla Memorial Park, posting small American flags on the headstones of deceased service men and women.
The ceremony ushered in the Memorial Day weekend for Burbank, said Burbank Troop 201 Assistant Scoutmaster Harold Schierholt.
"Every year we come to Valhalla to celebrate the beginning of Memorial Day, to honor the soldiers who paid the ultimate prices for our country," he said.
Moments before the ceremony, three scouts ? Jason Gomez, Brandon Shepherd and Klaus Schierholt ? sat near the headstones of military personnel killed in combat.
"It feels really good to be here because it's nice to remember the people who fought for our country," 11-year-old Brandon said.
Brandon's friend Klaus agreed.
"It's an honor and it feels great to lay the flags over the people who served our country," he said.
Jason's grandfather served in the Vietnam War and has many stories about his time overseas, Jason said.
"I learned that he had a hard time fighting over there and that he lost a lot of friends in the war," he said.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors and a flag salute, then Brandon, Klaus and Jason came forward to fold and retire an American flag, a ritual they were performing for the first time.
Burbank City Councilman David Gordon, whose father served in World War II, was on hand for the event.
"Your paying tribute today is really paying tribute to these people who made an unbelievable contribution to our community," he said.
Memorial Day events help preserve the knowledge and experiences of veterans whose stories would otherwise pass along with them into the grave, Assistant Scoutmaster Schierholt said.
"It's so important for these kids to hear these stories first hand, especially in light of the events in the Middle East," he said.
This year's turnout was nearly double the attendance in 2005, he said.
"Over the last couple years we have seen a waning in tradition and respect," Schierholt said. "There have been times when the boys are the only ones out here placing flags and showing respect."
But teaming up with the American Legion over the last two years has increased community involvement in the event, Schierholt said.
Valhalla and American Legion Post 150 will host the 79th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Memorial Park at 10621 Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood.blr.memorial.27-BPhotoInfoUE1RDDG320060527izwgu5ncDAN WATSONThe Leader(LA)Boy Scout Brandon Shepherd, 11, places flags on the markers of veterans during celebrations at Valhalla Memorial Park.
