For the first time in 35 years, volunteers were able to raise enough money to place a flag on each one of the 200,000 graves there.

The flags don’t stop with the headstones. Volunteers placed more flags along the Memorial Pathway to create a wave of red, white and blue.

“It’s not just about backyard barbecues, going to the lake, the latest holiday sale or the unofficial start of summer. It is that, but it also has a far deeper meaning.”

“This is why this day is so important to all Americans. Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to stop and think about those brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation, and pay a well-deserved tribute to those who ensured the freedoms that we now enjoy,” Minnesota National Guard Brigadier Gen. Jon Safstrom said.

It took more than $225,000 to make it happen. Fort Snelling is one of 135 national cemeteries operated by the VA across the country. More than 4 million veterans of every war and conflict have been laid to rest in them.