After Memorial Day volunteers take down 1,400 flags along the Avenue of Flags

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For a group of local volunteers, there is one Memorial Day tradition, they never miss.

Along the 'Avenue of Flags,' volunteers take down 1,400 flags after the holiday. Star spangled banners marked with names and gravesites are retired with care by volunteers.

"Each of these flags are from the families of the fallen soldiers," said retired US Army Sergeant Brian Burry. While helping put flags away on Monday, he wore his Purple Heart Medal that he got while serving in Vietnam. "I was a combat medic. I think of the men I lost and I think of the one's I saved. And I wished I could have saved more," he said.

For seventeen years, he's folded the stars and stripes countless times. But this year was Marisol Gonzalez's first time.

"My son is Lance Corporal Mark Chapman. He's currently deployed. He's a marine. He's 19-years-old. Been (serving) about a year and a half," said Gonzalez. Her son is a Clovis High School graduate and is currently in the Middle East. "I try not to worry. I just pray every day that he comes home safely," she said.

Serving back at home in this way is how she and others, remember what's important.

"Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, and lost their lives for our freedom," said Gonzalez.

This Wednesday, all 1,400 flags are going to be folded. If you'd like to volunteer, contact the Fresno Memorial Gardens.