On Saturday, June 7, at 4:30 p.m., members of the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State Staff gathered at Machpelah Cemetery to honor the brave men and women who served our nation. Through the Flying Flags for Heroes initiative hosted by the Sons of The American Legion Detachment of West Virginia, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the legacy of veterans by placing flags upon their graves—a solemn act of remembrance ensuring their sacrifice was never forgotten.

A Moment of Reflection

The evening commenced with a heartfelt moment of prayer, invoking God’s mercy upon those who had faithfully served their country. This solemn reflection set the tone for the gathering, as participants paused to acknowledge the sacrifices made by generations of veterans.

The Flying Flags for Heroes Initiative

Launched in April 2020 by Past National Commander Michael Fox, the Flying Flags for Heroes program was founded to ensure that all veterans—whether laid to rest in national or local cemeteries—received due recognition for their service. Partnering with Preston Sharp, a passionate advocate for honoring veterans, the program quickly gained momentum. In 2022, The Sons of The American Legion officially adopted Flying Flags for Heroes as an ongoing initiative, reinforcing their dedication to instilling patriotism and respect for those who served.

Since its inception, the program had placed over 1.3 million flags on veterans’ graves across the country. This effort not only paid tribute to fallen heroes but also fostered civic responsibility, engaging younger generations in the tradition of remembrance. The Sons of The American Legion continued to expand the initiative, inspiring individuals to recognize veterans’ contributions year-round—not just on designated holidays.

Honoring West Virginia’s Military Legacy

West Virginia held a rich tradition of military service, and many prominent figures in the state’s history were laid to rest in Machpelah Cemetery. Among them was Colonel Jackson Arnold, a grand-nephew of General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Arnold had been appointed by Governor John Jacob Cornwell as the first superintendent of the newly established Department of Public Safety, now known as the West Virginia State Police. His contributions to both state security and The American Legion Department of West Virginia, where he served as the first State Commander, were deeply respected.

Another distinguished veteran resting there was Louis Bennett, Jr., a fighter pilot in World War I. A true ace, Bennett flew with the British Royal Flying Corps in 1918 and demonstrated exceptional skill, downing three enemy planes and nine balloons in just nine days. Tragically, Bennett was shot down on August 24, 1918 and succumbed to his injuries, but his legacy endured throughout Weston—from the public library dedicated in his honor to the airstrip at Jackson’s Mill. His valor continued to inspire generations.

The Tribute Ceremony

As part of the evening’s commemoration, the honor guard presented a ceremonial three-volley salute, followed by Taps, a solemn farewell to those who had served. This act of respect solidified the community’s unwavering commitment to remembering and honoring veterans.

Through initiatives like Flying Flags for Heroes, the community ensured that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes remained a cornerstone of collective memory. Over 150 Veterans were honored as part of the ceremony.

Thank you to all who joined ALMBS in this meaningful tribute. Your participation strengthened the bonds of respect, patriotism, and appreciation for our veterans—now and always.