Twelve-year-old Preston Sharp was originally inspired to recognize Veterans buried at private cemeteries in his hometown of Redding, California. It didn’t take long before his efforts expanded to surrounding communities, and now in as many states as possible. Sharp says that people should not only recognize Veterans on holidays, but also every day.
After seeing his story last September, VA senior leadership saw the shared mission of honoring Veterans every day and asked for Sharp and his family to come to Washington D.C., to meet others charged with the same mission.
“It is so humbling to see how Preston, at a young age, understands how important it is to honor our Veterans, said Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves. “His solemn act of placing an American flag at their gravesites reminds us all of the weight of sacrifice and should serve as an inspiration to youth and adults alike.”
VA staff and Reeves again welcomed and volunteered alongside Sharp and his family Saturday, Jan. 27 at Annapolis National Cemetery.
Over the last two years, Sharp has organized the placement of more than 40,000 flags and red carnations at cemeteries, including Quantico National Cemetery in September 2017 and Eagle Point National Cemetery in December 2017.
Sharp’s enduring passion and commitment to Veterans is an inspiration to many, including VA senior leaders.
“Preston, through his leadership is setting the example for other children and adults on what it means to serve others through the work he does,” Scott Blackburn VA’s executive in charge
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