LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — The community is recognizing the lives of Veterans lost in war this Fourth of July weekend.
Five hundred U.S. flags were planted around Columbian Park's Veterans Memorial.
Active and non-active service members, kids, and volunteers all took part in the commemoration.
The Tippecanoe County Veterans Council has been organizing this for 30 years.
A couple service members said this tradition is important to all age groups and it is special to the community.
"Show the parents and family members and the service members we lost that we respect what they have done," said Mike Barnes.
Barnes served in the Marines from 1969-1975. He is still active with the organization.
"I was one of the fortunate ones that came back," said Barnes. "There are several of us that have, but we want to show respect for those who did not make it."
The Tippecanoe County Veterans Council typically plants the U.S. flags on Memorial Day but because of coronavirus it delayed it until this July 4th weekend.
Joe Tonsing-Carter with the local Team RWB said Friday was about paying homage to all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country and fought for our freedom.
Tonsing-Carter was with the Indiana National Guard for 11 years and this was his first time helping plant the flags. He said this is something he will continue to do.
"It means a lot as far as getting out in the community and remembering veterans and helping other VSO's with Marine Corps League and other events like this," said Tonsing-Carter.
The U.S. flags will be in the ground at Columbian Park until Sunday at five in the evening.
The Tippecanoe County Veterans Council said it would love to have as many volunteers as possible to help.
