Natchez National Cemetery Flag Placement for Memorial Day

Begin Memorial Day weekend with a quiet act of service at Natchez National Cemetery, set on the historic bluffs above the Mississippi River. On the Saturday before Memorial Day, you can join local volunteers to place small American flags at nearly 7,000 gravesites, a focused morning that lets you take in the landscape while honoring those buried here.

You will check in for a short briefing at 8:30 AM, with flag placement beginning at 9:00 AM. The work is simple and open to all ages, and we place each flag by protocol, typically one boot length from the headstone. Expect to see community groups such as the Natchez Fire Department, Girl Scout troops, and JROTC units working alongside visitors.

Plan for rolling terrain and Mississippi heat. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring water, and check the forecast; light rain often does not stop the event, but severe weather can delay it. After the last row is finished, you can stay for light refreshments offered by the cemetery team, and if you miss placement day, you can return the following Saturday at 8:00 AM to help with flag retrieval.

This is a free volunteer event with no registration required for individuals, though larger groups should contact the cemetery office in advance. For easy access, stay in the downtown Natchez historic district, a short drive or a manageable walk to the gates. If river views are part of your plan, look at riverfront options, and use Lake.com to find distinctive regional stays and historic cottages for a calm home base.