ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With Memorial Day just a few days away, the organization Flags for Fallen Vets is gearing up to plant thousands of flags at Bay Pines National Cemetary. 

It's a tradition Erin Masciulli, a volunteer for the nonprofit, said is close to her heart. 

Her father, an Army veteran, died four years ago and is buried at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

"Making music in heaven, a bear that cared," she read on a headstone. "It gives you an insight into that individual." 

More than 20,000 veterans are buried at Bay Pines National Cemetery, and Masciulli said that on Sunday they will make sure every single one has a flag.

She said they place a flag 12 inches away from the grave, the veteran's name is spoken and thanked for their service. 

"It's an honor to be out here to ensure that every one of them has a United States flag to represent their service," she said.  

Masciulli said it's an honor to give these veterans the recognition and respect they deserve, and is grateful for the donations they receive that allow them to do this.

"Without the community's support and family support, we wouldn't be able to do this," she said.

She said this is the third year they've placed flags at Bay Pines, which also happens to be the typical lifespan of the flags they use. 

Next year, many of the flags they use will need to be replaced, but Masciulli said she is confident that with the continued support from the community, flags will continue to cover the cemetery.