Thousands of scouts place flags at Los Angeles National Cemetery for Memorial Day

WEST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and volunteers placed nearly 90,000 American flags on the graves of fallen war heroes at the Los Angeles National Cemetery Saturday.

Marking the graves is a longstanding tradition for Memorial Day that started more than 40 years ago at the cemetery.

The tribute teaches the younger generation the true meaning of the holiday.

"It's a chance to continue to give back and actually introduce the next generation to what's important. Whether it be Boy Scouts or whether it be military services - it's all about giving back to your country," one man said.

Many of those who marked the graves for the first time said they'd be happy to come back year after year.

"I think it's important for everyone to come out here and do this, to serve their country and remember the veterans who fought hard for us to be free," said Boy Scout Tyler Grey, who has participated in the public event every year for the past nine years.

The flags will be on display at the cemetery until Tuesday.