TOLEDO, Ohio —
Richard Hens Sr. has been placing flags on graves at Calvary Cemetery in west Toledo for more than 55 years.
The World War II Army Air Corps veteran is 96 years old and served in the Philippines. He was enlisted for 18 months and three days.
"That seemed like a short time, and it was," Hens said. "I could've reenlisted but I wanted to come home."
So, he came home to Toledo and had three children. He began placing flags at the cemetery to honor others who had served and got his children involved as soon as he could.
"When Rick got old enough, I brought him out here to do the dirty work," Hens said of his son. "Put the hole in the ground and place the flags. It was wonderful."
It's now something all four generations of his family gathers to do. His 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren will help him place flags if they are in town.
Richard Hens Jr., his son, said it's amazing to be able to continue spending this time with his father.
"For him to be able to walk around, he's just a trooper, Hens Jr. said.
The holiday is more than placing flags on the graves, according to Hens Sr.. He said it's a time to stand for a moment and thank people for their service.
"Memorial Day should be celebrated to honor all of these people that have served in the service, whether they served overseas and fought in combat or if they were stateside," he said.
Hens Sr. is honored to be able to place flags on the graves and hopes it's a tradition that won't stop anytime soon.
"I'm happy the kids know what to do and how to do it," he said. "My hope is they will continue and then bring their children."