ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Stars and stripes covering Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester. It’s a Memorial Day tradition that started 14 years ago with the help of former Troop 195 Scout Master Mike Civiletti and his son Paul.

Civiletti was killed eight years ago by a drunk driver, but the Boy Scout troop still continues to the honor of placing American Flags on the graves of veterans buried at Holy Sepulchre.

Civilett’s wife Regina Civiletti said it’s a continuation of her late husband’s legacy.

“My husband was killed eight years ago and for this to keep going and get bigger every year is astounding,” said Civiletti.

Thursday, Boy Scout Troop 195 continued the tradition and flooded the cemetery with old glory in hand. Scout Troop Samuel Tschiderer helped place an American Flag at the marker of every veteran.

"It really gives you a perspective on how many people had to give the ultimate price for you to enjoy the freedoms that you enjoy on a daily basis,” said Tschiderer.

This tradition started with about 300 grave markers, but over the years they were able to expand to about 5,300 graves. The flags were purchased with the help of donations.

“It’s good to give back. They're putting themselves in the line of fire. I think we can give them 24 hours of our time,” continued Tschiderer.

Even younger scouts understand. Bailey Sykes, 10, said it was an honor.

”We're the only troop to do this," said Sykes.

Edward Czerniak said he doesn’t take this opportunity lightly.

"We're respecting our country and the people who fought for us and fought for our freedom," said Czerniak.

Scout Master Jason Patterson said that's one of the goals of the project.

"We want them to learn service before self and not to take things for granted and everything has a price," said Patterson.

The other goal is the same as it was when Civiletti and his son Paul started this tradition in 2001.

"We just want these families to know that someone will come out here and show their family members respect and the only way we can do that is by honoring them with an American flag, saluting the flag and walking away knowing we accomplishing something good,” said Patterson.  

In all it took about two hours and about 40 boy scouts, along with countless volunteers to cover the cemetery in stars and stripes.