Hometown Heroes: Flags for Fallen Vets

DALLAS - For years Morrison Bob Fussner, II didn't like what he didn't see on Memorial Day.  He wanted to see U.S. flags on every grave at national cemeteries. There was no organized effort. In 2012, Bob's wife, Diane, lovingly told him to make it happen. She was tired of hearing him complain.  The third generation Marine veteran made it his mission.                          

There are 139 national cemeteries for our nation's veterans.  In 2012 Bob started Flags For Fallen Vets at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. 

This Memorial Day 41,500 U.S. flags are on each grave at DFW National Cemetery. It is a beautiful and touching sight.  Eight other national cemeteries have the 8 x12 flags as well, with more nationals planned for this red, white and blue salute. Corporations and individuals pay for the flags. Volunteers place them at each grave. This year it only took 45 minutes for 2,000 volunteers to place 41,500 flags on each grave at DFW National Cemetery.  The flags will stay on the graves for one week and about 400 local volunteers will remove them.

If you'd like to donate your time or money to this non-profit log on to www.flagsforfallenvets.com. You'll need to register to be put on the list for Memorial Day 2019 and then you'll be notified in January to sign up for the 2019 flag tribute.