USS Higgins Sailors Place Flags on Veterans Headstones in Honor of Memorial Day

by LTJG Alyson Hands

30 May 2019 SAN DIEGO, Ca. (NNS)—Sailors from Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), placed over 100 flags on the headstones of fallen Veterans during a Memorial Day Event at La Vista Memorial Park.

20 Sailors from Higgins Deck Division worked with active du

“Placing the flags for the fallen veterans was a great experience! It reminded me of why we wear our uniform the way we do! Not just for looks or for pictures but for respect to the ones that fought and died in it” Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Justin Apolinar said. “The fallen veterans paved the road to freedom and by me placing flags in remembrance of them, I am telling them that they can rest now, I’ll continue the journey for freedom they started!

”The Sailors reflected on the sacrifice of their brothers and sisters in arms and discussed why they each chose to serve. During these discussions they realized their reasons aren’t that different from the veterans they were honoring.

“Having placed so many flags on the headstones of fallen veterans was such an eye opener as to why we wear and represent the uniform each and every day.” Seaman Elizabeth Bruenger said. “It is an honor to be able to participate.”

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