LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Dawn Kramer came to her father’s grave on Veterans Day six years ago with two flags, ready to honor the service of the fallen Marine.
However, she was met a surprise that didn’t sit right with her.
“I was going to triple honor my dad because I knew there would be a flag there at a veterans cemetery on Veterans Day. So I get here and there’s no flags,” Kramer said.
That moment ignited a passion in Kramer to honor soldiers no longer with us. This year, more than 16,000 flags adorned veteran graves.
“I don’t subscribe to that you should only focus on living veterans. I think we need to focus on all,” Kramer said.
Growing tribute
The tribute has grown significantly over the years. Kramer said it went from two flags to 1,440, then 5,000, then 7,200, then 9,000, and last year more than 13,000.
Kramer drives 2,100 miles from Michigan every year to plant the flags and pay her respects. She has recruited volunteers over the years to help, including active military personnel this year.
“I think it’s just a true testimony of the community that military service brings to people,” said Major Shanee Allen of the U.S. Army.
Major LaTonya Phillips of the U.S. Army said the dedication was heartwarming.
“Even though she hasn’t served as far as in a military capacity, that’s a whole other level of dedication,” Phillips said.
Emotional impact
The dedication leads to emotions for veterans like Garrett Poole.
“You see all these flags, pretty much as far as the eye can see right now from this view. It shows you how many people are willing to serve and defend what they believe in,” Poole said.
“Many of (volunteers) have veterans that may be buried here. Dawn who is doing this cross country and making this happen. I’ve never done this before. This is my very first time. I didn’t know this was such an effort.”
Kramer has gone out of her way to connect with those visiting the cemetery as well, helping comfort during a time of mourning.
She told FOX 5 about an interaction over the weekend where a couple shared the story of their son.
“They have a 24 year old that committed suicide. I was just devastated for them. I just talked to them for a half hour about their son,” Kramer said.
“I sit down next to their stone and ask them questions and I let them tell me about them. It feels good and that”s why I do it.”
Kramer sees each flag as a symbol honoring the service and sacrifice made in the past for freedom in the present.
“What one person, one little old woman from Michigan can do, what can we all do together?” Kramer said.
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