"Recent years have seen he passing of many of our comrades, as well as steadily decreasing membership in our veterans organizations, and increasing costs for purchasing flags," reports Greg Henry, VFW Post 1723 commander, and past commander of the American Legion. "In recent days I have received several phone calls from families of area veterans alerting me that their relative was inadvertently missed during Memorial Day flag placements."

Henry said these circumstances now requires the local VFW and American Legion to reach out to the community at large - not only for assistance locating all Pulaski County veterans and placing flags - but also for financial support to continue purchasing U.S. flags.

"It's time for individuals, groups and organizations to join the effort," Henry said. "We need more volunteers to recognize these great men and women."

He asks community members to "please consider an annual donation to your local veterans organization to help continue our efforts to recognize all who served and sacrificed for our freedoms."

Henry added that this challenging situation is not unique to Pulaski County, but said, "I am confident our community will step up and help salute our local service men and women for years to come."