Every Memorial Day, thousands of Scouts and volunteers come together at Los Angeles National Cemetery

On May 23, hundreds of Boy Scouts from the Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America, gathered at the Los Angeles National Cemetery to place 90,000 flags. Scouts of all ages joined hundreds of volunteers, veterans, and community members for one of California’s largest flag-placement ceremonies. Representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution, with other veteran organizations, participated in honoring fallen service members.

The annual tradition has taken place for more than 50 years and serves as a powerful demonstration of remembrance, service, and civic duty for participating youth.

The leaders at the event were Lee Harrison, Scout Executive and CEO, Western Los Angeles County Council; Glen Schecter, Scoutmaster; Karla Macias Flores, Outreach Associate; Elliot Copen, representing Troop 146 and Bella Cottrell, representing Troop 189.

Harrison said, “Memorial Day is one of the most important days for our Scouts because it really brings service and sacrifice into focus. When they place a flag here, it’s not abstract anymore—it’s a person who served our country. This tradition has been going on for over 50 years, and it continues to connect young people to the meaning of remembrance in a very real way.”

Schecter said, “Seeing thousands of Scouts out here is a reminder that service and respect are still being carried on by the next generation. This event is especially meaningful to me because my father is buried here. Memorial Day is about taking time to remember the veterans who have passed and the sacrifices they made for our country — some gave everything for the freedoms we have today. With this cemetery serving veterans and their families since 1889, it’s important that young people understand that history and continue honoring those who served and sacrificed for our nation.”

Copen said, “For a lot of Scouts, this is the moment Memorial Day becomes real. You’re standing in front of a headstone, placing a flag, and realizing this was someone’s life and sacrifice. I’ve been coming for years now, and at this point it’s become a tradition in my family.”

Cottrell said, “What stands out most is seeing young people take part in something this meaningful. They’re not just observing—they’re actively honoring those who served. It’s powerful to watch, and it shows how service can bring a community together across generations.”