USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors honored veterans buried in Ivy Green Cemetery during a community service event, Nov. 6.

Twenty Sailors joined participants from six different groups in placing American flags at the graves of veterans in preparation for Veterans Day.

"We had almost 100 people turn out," said Petty Officer 1st Class Corey Martin, from Bremerton, Washington, the organizer for the event from John C. Stennis.

Ivy Green Cemetery is the final resting place of 560 veterans, who's service dates back to the Civil War, and the site of a shared grave for 67 Sailors from the World War II aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga (CV 3).

After completing the day's task, the volunteers gathered at the Tomb of the Unknown, a replica of the memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, for a brief history lesson from Marion Hersey, volunteer coordinator for the city of Bremerton and a retired senior chief petty officer.

"I think it's really cool that we're out here placing flags for all the veterans," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Loomis, from Spanaway, Washington, a volunteering John C. Stennis Sailor. "Knowing that people care to remember us after we're done serving and after we die ... I think that's important and I think that's really cool."

John C. Stennis Sailors also participated in a cleanup event at Ivy Green, Nov. 4. More than 20 Sailors joined civilians in raking leaves, scrubbing tombstones, pulling weeds and other activities.

"This whole city was built up around the Navy and I think a lot of people forgot that," said Martin. "Now they're actually starting to see us as part of the community and that we do care about the community and that we're here to help."

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