By James Windell
On May 6, 2025, members from the South Haven Public Works office, Corwell Health, Baird Financial Services, and the American Legion Post # 49 met at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.
Their mission was to place flags and approximately 30 replacement flag holders on Veteran’s graves in preparation for the annual Jim McCloughan Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery.
“Each year the American Legion collaborates with the city of South Haven to prepare Lakeview Cemetery for Memorial Day by placing flags on approximately 1100 Veteran graves,” notes John Barkley, Commander of the American Legion Post #49. “Over the years, interest and support has grown to include many South Haven residents, area veterans, as well as groups from Corewell Health, Beard Financial services and others.”
This year the South Haven City Council approved the purchase of 30 replacement flag holders that were put in place. The priority was to replace flag holders on graves adjacent to the monument. “Over the years approximately 800 flag holders have been damaged or found to be missing and will be the subject of further funding by the city,” Barkley says.
Barkley says that replacing flags is an important mission. “Flags are important because they are not just for decoration,” he says. “Rather, they represent the veterans and their sacrifices that have given us our lives, our freedom and our happiness.”
