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Making a Difference: Memorial Day

It’s been nearly five years since Donna Hollenstain’s husband passed away.

“He enlisted in the war right after Pearl Harbor. He died on September 28, 2010. All these years, it’s amazing to know our family has been willing to stand up and defend our county” says Hollenstain.

Andy B. Hollenstain was a pilot for the United States Armed Forces. He served 26 missions in Europe and Asia, including the bombing of Hiroshima. He gave the ultimate sacrifice that Donna says brings her to the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Salinas.

Every flag you see is a casket flag given to a family member after their veteran passed away. These donated flags make up the Avenue of Flags in Salinas. For the past 25 years Donna and a handful of volunteers have faithfully set up every one of these flags on Memorial Day.

“I don’t know how many people are aware of the effort it takes to get 1,400 flags ready, but to me it’s very gratifying” says Hollenstain.

Every year, American Legion Post 31 makes it their goal to fly at least a thousand flags, but a lack of help has made their mission difficult. This year they hope to raise five hundred.

Veteran Todd Sylla says it’s a small way to honor the service members that have died fighting for liberty and justice. Sylla now serves as the Chairman for the Avenue of Flags. He says, “it’s an honor and privilege to go out there and do what we do. To me, there’s no greater sacrifice. If it puts a smiles on someone’s face that hey, that’s my dad’s flag over there, then yes, that makes a difference.”

An armed forces wife and a former veteran making a difference, by remembering the more than one million men and women who gave their lives to serve our county.

To learn more about American Legion Post 31 head to http://www.legion.org.

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