The annual ‘Flags at Fairview’ event is planned for Saturday, May 23, 2015.

The annual Memorial Day flag planting at Fairview Cemetery will take place on Saturday, May 23, followed by a program at St. Peter Claver. Submitted photo.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Town Council Minority Leader Denise Berard Hall and her family have been spearheading the planting of flags on the graves of veterans in Fairview Cemetery for more than three decades, and will continue the Memorial Day tradition on Saturday, May 23, 2015, beginning at 9 a.m.

“It is so important that we teach our children the reason why Memorial Day is a holiday, and this tradition helps to reinforce the true meaning of Memorial Day,” Hall said.

Many local students and scout troops assist in the Memorial Day flag-planting tradition, and this year is no exception.

Following the flag planting, at 10 a.m., a program will be held at the St. Peter Claver Parish Center on Pleasant Street, directly across the street from Fairview Cemetery.

Armen Arakelian, Bruce Jones, Luke Jones, and Maksim Rogach, members of Cub Scout Pack 141, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sedgwick Middle School student James Cheverier will provide his “Reflections on Memorial Day,” and Mayor Scott Slifka will also provide some remarks. Captain Dawn C. Morris is the guest speaker.

Christopher Stimson of Boy Scout Troop 163 will lay a wreath in rememberance of the veterans of all wars as well as the victims of 9/11 followed by the singing of “God Bless America.”

Bugler Michael Driscoll of Sedgwick Middle School will close out the program by playing “Taps.”

Pizza and ice cream will be served at 11 a.m.

The event is open to anyone who would like to participate.