Massive display of patriotism at Fresno Memorial Gardens

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of volunteers across the Valley put in long service hours to remember the men and women who gave their lives serving our country on this Memorial Day. And each volunteer has a specific reason, for why.

1,400 flags lined the avenues at Fresno Memorial Gardens for its 52nd Memorial Day service. A massive display of patriotism -- always drawing a huge crowd of those who lost their military heroes.

Tomas Munoz said, "My dad, I have some friends here who have given their lives for, you know, for our freedom."

This is the fifth year Tomas Munoz is helping remove the display. It's the third year he brought his 12-year-old grandson, who is learning the powerful message of sacrifice and the importance of remembering.

Robert Castro said, "My great-grandfather that was in WWII with the Germans and everybody else that's here that sacrificed their lives for us."

They are just two of the dozens of volunteers.

Munoz added, "This is what we've got to do for them. Give them some kind of respect."

All hands on deck for this mission. Volunteers carefully took down the towering flags.

Sonya Flores said, "There really is no greater family bonding time for us than right now."

Veteran Sonya Flores and her two kids pitched in. Their father, also a veteran, served an 18-month tour in Iraq. They like so many others know the lingering pain of loss.

Flores added, "All of our people who have paid the ultimate price and the families that were even left behind."

It's a huge group effort to care for the 1,400 flags. Each flag laid out flat for storage. Each labeled with a veteran who gave their life.