VFW provides flags for those who have passed

Placing flags on the graves of those who served in the Armed Forces has become a solemn way to remember their service for our country’s freedoms

The Lavaca Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6382 has taken it upon themselves to always remember those fallen comrades who have gone on to their heavenly reward.

According to VFW Post 6382 quartermaster Robert Mertz, the organization purchased 1,100 flags to be placed on the graves located in 18 different cemeteries throughout Lavaca County.

Mertz said besides members of the VFW organization and its Auxiliary, family members of VFW veterans as well as members of the Vietnam Veterans Lone Star Chapter 854 and the American Legion Post 230 and its Auxiliary as well as some individuals placed flags on the graves prior to Memorial Day.

“Not all cemeteries were covered as we need help to adopt one or more of the 30-plus area cemeteries for next year,” Mertz said.

He said he researched accessgenealogy.com/ texas/lavaca-county-texas-cemeteries.htm to determine how many cemeteries are located in Lavaca County.

According to Mertz there are 30-plus cemeteries in the county and at 18 of them he is aware of how many veterans are buried at those locations.

He estimates at those 18 cemeteries they need approximately 1,254 flags, which is estimated to be 5% over those reported.

At the other 12 cemeteries he does not know the number of veterans’ graves buried at those specific cemeteries.

Mertz said he needs help from those responsible to notify him about the number of veteran graves at their specific cemeteries.

To inform Mertz, call or text him at (281) 467-1150.

The cemeteries listed that the VFW are not aware of the number of flags needed for veterans’ graves include: Ascension of Our Lord, Bila Hora, Fuller (private property on CR 132), Koerth, Matula Family and Others, Mikeska, Mount Olive, Oak Grove, Pilot Grove, Old Kinkler, Shiloh West, and Supplejack (Old Brush Creek).