FARMINGDALE — Bud Smith, 92, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, has spent decades placing some 100 flags on the gravestones of fellow veterans in town.

Now, the town and American Legion Post 2 are recognizing his longstanding and quiet volunteer effort ahead of Memorial Day.

Smith was honored recently by the town of Farmingdale with the Spirit of America award for his volunteer efforts setting out the flags.

Howard Betts, finance officer with American Legion Post 2, said he had the honor and privilege to assist Smith on Monday place flags on the graves of veterans for the town, many of whom he served with during World War II.

“He’s been putting flags out for 30, 40 years — approximately 100 flags every year on his own,” Bett said. “He’s been doing this forever and we wanted to recognize him. His dedication to this is phenomenal.”

Smith has been honoring those veterans who have passed for so long that even the historical society could not put a number to the years of continued service, according to Betts. It is fitting that American Legion Post 2 recognize and thank Bud publicly for the dedication has continued to provide to our fallen comrades for all these many years, Betts said.

“This Memorial Day take a few minutes to say a word of thanks for those who gave and continue to give of themselves that we could have this day,” he said.