Texas Town Seeks Volunteers to Honor 75 Cemetery Veterans

Thousands of veterans rest in Goliad County, Texas, but many graves go unmarked on Memorial Day and Veterans Day because volunteers can't reach all 75 cemeteries alone.

The local American Legion supplies flags for every veteran's grave, but they need help placing them. Right now, only about 25 cemeteries receive flags twice a year, leaving countless veterans unhonored during the holidays meant to celebrate their service.

Lisa Rodriguez, curator at the Goliad Library, is creating a permanent database to track every veteran buried in the county. The project will ensure no service member is forgotten, whether they rest in a well-maintained cemetery or a remote family plot.

Community members can pick up forms at the library to add veterans to the list or register as volunteers. Anyone who knows where veterans are buried can help update the records, making sure these graves receive the recognition they deserve.

The Ripple Effect

This grassroots effort shows how small acts create lasting change. When volunteers place flags twice a year, they teach younger generations about sacrifice and service. Students looking for community service opportunities can join organized groups to participate, turning history lessons into hands-on citizenship.

The project also helps families discover veteran markers they didn't know existed. The Veterans Administration provides service markers at little or no cost, and funeral homes can assist families in getting them placed.

Jimmy Schulze and Scott Sonsala are coordinating volunteers and gathering cemetery information. They're asking anyone already placing flags to report which cemeteries they cover and how many graves need attention, helping build a complete picture of the county's needs.

The goal is simple: every veteran in Goliad County should receive an American flag on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. With enough volunteers, that vision becomes reality, ensuring no service member rests forgotten.