Memorial Day Flagging Volunteer 2024
The Woodlawn Cemetery, 3800 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY
5/18/24-5/27/24
Flags for every hero
Annual Flagging Tradition at Woodlawn
Founded in 1863, The Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 8,500 individuals who bravely served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. Woodlawn has honored veterans for years by recruiting volunteers, including school groups, scouts, corporate teams, and service organizations from the local community to salute America’s heroes.
Each year, to thank those who answered the call, volunteers place flags on veterans’ gravesites in the lead-up to Memorial Day. Volunteers receive maps that pinpoint locations and a list of known servicemembers. A Woodlawn tradition, the yearly public event attracts hundreds of volunteers who make it a point to honor the bravest among us.
Volunteers can participate any day between Saturday, May 18 through Saturday, May 25 between 9 am-2:30 pm (NOTE- 5/18 sign-ups are now closed) and is open to volunteers of all ages. Woodlawn will host a kick-off to the 2024 Flagging Campaign on Saturday, May 18 (10am).
Volunteer participation and financial support are critical to supporting this annual tradition of honoring America's veterans. Please consider making a contribution to cover the costs of flags and related supplies. Every $25 dollars donated covers the purchase of 10 flags all proudly made in the U.S.A.
Among Woodlawn’s veterans are 11 Medal of Honor recipients, soldiers honored by local posts and parks, and representatives of every conflict from the Revolutionary War onward. One of the most famous veterans buried in the cemetery is David Glasgow Farragut, the first admiral in the U.S. Navy. Other notable soldiers include newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, who was a recruit for the Union Army during the Civil War; Bronx native Sergeant Natale Greco, whose plane was shot down over Germany in World War II; and Sergeant Lincoln Colon-Perez, a Purple Heart recipient who was killed in action in South Vietnam. Whose resting place will you flag this year?
To learn more about the event, email [email protected]. Unable to volunteer, please consider donating to support this annual event.
Sponsor stars
$5,000 +
Become a Sponsor Star!
Red
$200-$500
White
$500-$1,000
Blue
$1,000-$5,000
Boy Scouts of America Pelham Troop 1
Tait Family
African Orthodox Churches
Blue Stripe Level Supporters!
Frequently Asked Questions
Anything not answered here? Please email [email protected]
What are the dates for the 2024 Memorial Day Flagging Campaign?
Flagging will start on Saturday, May 18 and run every day through Saturday, May 25. Note 5/18 sign-ups are now closed; we look forward to seeing you any day from 5/19-5/25.
What time of day?
We ask that volunteers select an AM or PM shift when signing up.
AM Shifts are from approximately 9 am-12 pm
PM Shifts are from approximately 12 pm-2:30 pm
how long is the time commitment?
Most volunteers spend at least 1 to 2 hours placing flags on their assigned plot.
what about rain or inclement weather?
Regardless of the weather conditions, so long as the Cemetery is open to visitors, we flag to honor all of America's veterans.
What if the Cemetery does close because of the weather?
We will reach out to all participants or group leaders registered for that day to notify you of any Cemetery closures.
What are the age requirements for Participating?
Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Adult supervision required for children.
are there any physical requirements?
Memorial flagging occurs on the Cemetery grounds across uneven ground. Volunteers must be comfortable traversing varied terrain on foot.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, parking is available on-site. Please use the address 3800 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY as the destination address.
public transportation?
Yes, Woodlawn Cemetery is easily reached via NYC Subway (4 and 2 lines) or MetroNorth Railroad (Woodlawn Station).
Note, the 4 train arrives near the Jerome Ave entrace where the flagging headquarters is located. If taking the 2 train or MetroNorth, enter at the Webster Avenue entrance and request a transport to flagging headquarters.
Will there be water and refreshments?
We will have water and limited snacks available for volunteers on all days. On Saturdays and Sundays, we will have complimentary lunch available.
Are dogs permitted?
Companion animals are not permitted to participate. Service animals are always welcome.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
We understand that things come up and will make every effort to work with you. If the need arises to cancel or reschedule your time slot, please email [email protected].
What should I wear?
Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes such as sneakers or boots. You should wear comfortable clothes appropriate for moving outside. As this is a solemn activity, we ask that you refrain from wearing anything cropped, revealing, or containing slogans.
Are there bathrooms available?
Restrooms are available.
I cannot participate, but I'd like to support the 2024 Flagging Campaign.
Please consider becoming a sponsor at a level of your personal comfort - you can sign up here. We'd also love it if you could spread the word through your network with the social and share options on this page.
