BURLINGTON, N.C. — For three decades Walt Brown has made it his mission to honor his veteran brothers and sisters.
He said every vet deserves a flag, especially those who served in wars that forever impact American history.
He goes to Pine Hill Cemetery in Burlington each year during Memorial Day Weekend.
"They went through the horrors of World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam," Brown shared, "They didn't get to be old like I am."
Brown told WFMY News 2 he searches for vet graves that might not of been recognized.
"The truth of the matter is the City did not keep graves until 1948. Some were on pre-registration and I've just looked for them and they deserve a flag," Brown said.
He calls the vets by their names, and even knows their stories.
"Major Barnwell over here, they called him the Great Ghost and he won a silver star," Brown recalled.
Brown a vet himself, served 50 years in the Army Reserves. He said remembering the fallen veterans legacy is just a small token of appreciation for their service.
"These guys need to be remembered, a lot of them have no family members putting flags on them or remembering them," he explained.
The Walter B. Ellis Post 63 of American Legion in Burlington is also doing it's part to make sure those without loved ones are honored. The group put up around 1,300 American flags on veteran graves this weekend.
"To come back home on a day like today and remember the ones that didn't make it is quite an experience," Commander David Beckley said.
He is a service member himself who said showing reverence to others is the least he can do.
"It was my way of life for 24 years, it was an experience that you would never forget," Beckley shared.
Brown and the Beckley said they plan to continue to honor fallen veterans in the years ahead.