Memorial Day ceremony held at the Houston National Cemetery

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Hundreds of people attended a Memorial Day ceremony at the Houston National Cemetery.

People showed up Sunday to place thousands of small American flags on the graves sites of those buried at the Houston National Cemetery.

Many of the volunteers were with the group Flags for Fallen Vets. There are more than 80,000 veterans buried at the cemetery including four medal of honor recipients.

"I just feel honored to be among all of these heroes," said veteran Jerry Unrau who volunteered with his wife. "I just try to imagine the story behind each one of these people. As I read the service they were in , I try to imagine the things that they may have been doing, as they were serving. It really brings home what we should be appreciating from all of these people as we are honored to be living in the country."

Other volunteers showed up for the first time to help. The patriotic act was also a lesson for their young children who also helped with the project.

"It's our first time. It just sounded like a good idea. It's something to teach the kids and make them understand what this weekend holiday is all about, not just boats and playing in the water and a weekend off school," said Janet Barber.

A Memorial Day ceremony will take place at the Houston National Cemetery at 9:30am.

Memorial Day did not become a federal holiday until 1971.