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CHARLOTTE -- For the Boy Scouts from Charlotte Mecklenburg Troop 119 their Saturday was off to an early start. Almost two dozen scouts placed flags by veterans graves at the Forest Lawn West Cemetery.

"Most people, at least my age, even though they understand what the meaning of [Memorial Day] is, they don't take it seriously cause it's a day off from school," Scout Richie Adams said. "They act like oh lets have a party."

They walked in groups of two, hammers and flags in hand.

"I was kind of surprised at how many people in one single cemetery were actually fighting in these wars," Scout Jake Nowokunski said.

It was no surprise to the Vietnam veterans who helped organize the event. They know all too well the reality of war.

"Well there's two wars going on right now so this brings a lot of that home," Bill Gorman with Charlotte's American Legion Post 380 said as he choked back tears.

For years, members of the American Legion used to do the work by themselves.

"Most of the membership of the American Legion is made up of World War II veterans," Gorman explained. "Most of them are in their mid 80's pushing 90's. It's hard for them to get around these days. "

Age forced them to pass on the responsibility to the next generation.

"It's more about honoring the people who have died in the war and who have fought in the war protecting our country," Adams said about what he's learned.

In just an hour, dozens of boy scouts now have a better appreciation of what it means to make the ultimate sacrifice.