Sometimes we forget. Sometimes we take things for granted.

Sometimes we need reminders. They can provide clarity and perspective.

The main purpose of the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association (ULTWMA) is to honor veterans and provide reminders. The Memorial Day holiday season is ULTWMA's time to shine.

"The goal of the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association is to honor the military people who served the United States of America," said ULTWMA president Bob Zook. "It's about giving back to the veterans. It's important to remember them because they served our country. If no one serves our country, it wouldn't be here."

One of the most important activities that ULTWMA, headquartered at 54 W. Main St., Leola, performs is the placing of flags at the graves of local veterans. Recently, in accordance with the observance of Memorial Day 2024, members of ULTWMA placed 446 small flags at veterans' gravesites at Bareville cemetery, Salem Hellers Evangelical Reformed Church cemetery, Zion Lutheran Church cemetery, Trumbauer Memorial cemetery, Eby's cemetery and Monterey Chapel and the cemetery at Stumptown Mennonite Church.

"It's an honor to do it," said Barb Zook, Bob's wife and a member of ULTWMA. "We're honoring our veterans; it's done out of respect to them. It's very humbling."

"Bob and I have been doing this for 20-plus years," continued Barb. "It's something we do to stay active, and we enjoy it. It's a fun thing. It's good for the heart. But it's not just us."

A group of eight ULTWMA members, along with their friends and families, placed flags donated by the Lancaster County Department of Veterans Affairs on the graves. The flags will remain on the graves until ULTWMA replaces them next year or until they become worn.

"You do learn some things when you're in the military," said Bob, a former member of the United States Marine Corps who served as a company clerk in Washington, D.C., from 1965 to 1968. "You learn to obey orders and pay attention to who's in charge. When you're in the military, you do what you're told."

Established in 1945, ULTWMA currently has about 15 active members. In addition to the annual Memorial Day tradition of placing flags on veterans' graves, ULTWMA sponsors a scholarship program for Conestoga Valley High School seniors whose parents served in the military, a veterans' breakfast on Veterans Day in November and community flag retirement ceremonies conducted in cooperation with local BSA Troops 82 and 83, as well as fundraising events like indoor flea markets and its veterans' hall rentals.

"When I got out of the military, I had a chance to be involved with military people and I took it," said Bob of his ULTWMA service.

For additional information about the Upper Leacock Township War Memorial Association, email ULTWMA@gmail.com.