MIDDLEBORO — Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, brand new American flags are adorning veterans’ graves in Middleboro, a sign of respect in the weeks before Memorial Day.

On Saturday, April 27, volunteers visited the St Mary’s, Central, Purchade and Titicut cemeteries  to place flags on the final resting places of veterans.

Volunteers represented a variety of organizations, including Girl and Boy Scouts, Friends of Middleboro Cemeteries, American Legion, Middleboro Elks, Middleboro VFW, and families of veterans as well as veterans themselves, said Middleboro Veterans Service Officer Steve Adelman.

“The tradition of changing flags at cemeteries, particularly at the graves of military veterans, is a way to honor and remember those who have served their country,’’ Adelman said. “It gives me a sense of pride, joy and respect to be able to put in a new American flag at the grave of a veteran.’’

The flags send an important message to those who have served, he said. “It’s a way to remember and thank them for serving our country.’’