Local veterans were honored Friday during the second annual Drive-Thru Memorial Day event held by the Veterans Clergy Partnership of the Ouachitas at Gross Funeral Home.
Amy Thomason, chair of the VCP, and others presented American flag stars to veterans, including U.S. Army veteran Daniel Santos, as they drove under the funeral home's porte-cochere.
Thomason said the United States Daughters of 1812 began cutting and collecting the embroidered stars off American flags that were "getting ready to be retired" around six years ago, and the stars are then presented to veterans.
Video not playing? Click here https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Xjz9dY6JJA
These stars, Thomason said, flew over the land of the free which was made possible by the sacrifices of the veterans.
"I think it's awesome. I'm a big fan of my flag," Santos said. "I'm not ashamed of my flag."
In addition to giving the stars, the group also gave cookies and drinks to the veterans who came through.
Santos said he liked that the group was honoring the veterans, noting he supports "anything that's done for veterans and recognizing them" because "a lot of people take what we do for granted."
He said veterans signed a "blank check" for their country that put them at the risk of death.
Santos said he would put his star "with my medals and service ribbons. This means something to me."
Thomason said that since they started giving out stars to veterans, nearly 400 stars have been distributed.
When asked why she was supporting the veterans, Thomason said, "It's meaningful, my uncle was killed at the Battle of the Bulge."
Also helping was Claudette Stefanski, who said her brother, Capt. Raymond Stacks, died during the Vietnam War, when he was shot down over Laos.
She said her brother was "listed missing in action for 23 years," until his remains were recovered in 1991.
"I think it's great," Stefanski said about the efforts to honor veterans.
She said she likes how much VCP works with Vietnam veterans, noting many Vietnam veterans are unaware of the benefits that are owed to them, "and these people are helping them. This is a great thing."