World War II veteran James Jacocks, 84, will continue his annual tradition - begun in 1947 - of leading Boy Scouts and their parents in placing American flags on over 11,000 gravesites on the morning of Saturday, May 26.

The graves, once marking only soldiers who died during the nation's longest siege, have multiplied and word of the annual observance has spread. Boy Scouts and their families will keep the tradition alive this Memorial Day weekend at Port Hudson National Cemetery.

Jacock's original troop of 20 scouts has grown up, but he still makes lemonade every year to reward the Scouts for their hard work. He said he expects to continue this Memorial Day tradition as long as he can walk.

Local units of the Boy Scouts of America began this Memorial Day weekend tradition over 55 years ago. As always, the public is invited to join in this endeavor to honor our fallen veterans.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Port Hudson National Cemetery, Hwy. 3113 (20978 Port Hickey Road) in Zachary. All scouts are invited to honor our deceased veterans by placing American flags at the grave sites.

Scouts, please wear your scout uniform and bring a screwdriver to punch holes in the hard ground. The event will take about two hours to complete.

Visit the Avondale District web-site for more information at www.avondaledistrict.org.

For more information, please contact Mark Bray by e-mailing Mark.Bray@scouting.org or calling 225-926-2697 ext. 2774.