The colors of the nation will once again wave over the graves of veterans in cemeteries across the area. Over the weekend, the American Legion Captain Oliver C. Chase Jr. Post 274 will carry out this annual initiative to commemorate Memorial Day. The gathering will bring the community together to honor more than 3,400 men and women who rest in local cemeteries.

The activity will begin on Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at three historic sites in the area: Old St. Peter’s Cemetery, located at Locust Avenue & Oregon Road; Hillside Cemetery, at 1033 Oregon Road, both situated in Cortlandt Manor; and Assumption Cemetery, also on Oregon Road. On Sunday, May 19 at the same time, the effort will continue at First Hebrew Cemetery, completing the commemorative route.

Each flag will be placed individually on the graves of identified veterans. A previously verified list compiled by the organization will be used for this process. One of the goals of the initiative is to create a visual path that strengthens collective memory. Each flag represents military service and a life story connected to the United States Armed Forces.

American Legion Post 274 is a veterans group based in Peekskill that has led this tradition for years as part of Memorial Day observances. The organization works alongside community volunteers, students, and residents who join the program early in the morning to cover different sections of the cemeteries.

Volunteers are assigned to specific areas within each cemetery and proceed in groups to ensure that every veteran’s grave receives recognition. In previous years, the work has extended over several hours until all designated sections are completed.