Across the United States, Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, a time to recognize and honor all first responders who have served their country and community. As part of this meaningful tribute, members of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont, Key Clubs and dedicated volunteers, gathered at Oak Hill Cemetery for their annual tradition of placing flags on the graves of local Veterans and First Responders. This heartfelt activity serves as a reminder of the sacrifices these veterans have made for their country and community.
Kiwanis Club member and Clermont historian Chuck Seaver shared the origins of this flag-placing tradition. “It started over 40 years ago when my grandfather, Oakley Seaver, and his sister, Nelle Seaver, began walking the cemetery and placing flags on the resting places of veterans. They created the original map to locate veterans for flag placements.” Over the years, the program grew, and Oakley Seaver, a devoted Clermont Kiwanian, asked the club to continue the tradition. Since then, the Kiwanis Club has faithfully placed flags on the graves of veterans every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, leaving the flags in place for a week as a lasting tribute.
Chuck Seaver, who took over the program in 2018, explained that first responders have since been included in this act of remembrance. “They are an important part of keeping our community safe,” he noted. “Many of the first responders we honor were volunteers back when the fire department was entirely made up of volunteers.”
In their solemn journey through the cemetery, club members placed flags on each identified veteran and first responders ’s gravesite. “This year, a total of 542 flags were placed by Kiwanians.”
This touching Veterans Day tradition by the Kiwanis Club of Clermont is an ongoing reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served. The club invites all community members to learn more about their activities by visiting Kiwanis Club of Clermont.
