BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — "The veterans that don't have markers in our cemeteries will never be forgotten again," said Jim LaMar, President of Greenlawn Cemetery. "So just like this gentleman, who was born in 1913, who i imagine served in world war 2. His grave is now permanently marked, so will others."

Memorial Day this year is unlike like any many Bakersfield residents have seen before. With annual ceremonies being canceled amid COVID-19, local officials are doing what they can to show their respect to our fallen heroes.

"Operation Headstone" brought peace and names to the hundreds of unmarked graves at Greenlawn. "No veteran who served this country should be forgotten,” LaMar stated.

While the cemetery looks to honor fallen heroes, around town local remembered fallen heroes with the help of Honor Flight Kern County. The group organized a car and flag parade that started at the Colombus Estates in East Bakersfield and made its way through several other assisted living facilities throughout Bakersfield.

Organizers say the tribute is in place of the somber ceremonies that traditionally take place on Memorial Day. For those who served our country like Jason Duran, events like these go a long way for veterans that need a way to participate on memorial day in the midst of a shelter in place order.

"I hate to say it but we have a lot of veterans that can't stay home that can't be cooped up. I'm one of them, if I stay at home by myself," said Duran. "You tend to get depressed, you get a little down, so we need this stimulus."