Fallen veterans honored in wreath laying ceremony

For a number of years WreathsForTheFallen.org has endeavored to honor all our country’s fallen veterans at the cemetery by placing a wreath on each veteran’s grave in December.

Wreaths Across America (WAA), a veterans organization that coordinates the nationwide day of remembrance, is organizing a large-scale ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. He took his excess wreaths, went and put them on graves in the older section of Arlington National Cemetery.

Dignitaries and special guests have been invited to speak in honor of our veterans and active military.

Often they have more people at the ceremony than wreaths, Linxwiler said.

Wreaths Across America began in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths decorated by volunteers with the intention of putting a wreath on every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

“The sacrifice that these men and women do protect us, to save our lives and to serve our country to keep us safe”, said Helen Drake.

Riverside Cemetery held a ceremony Saturday to honor veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“I’m hoping in the next 4-5 years to have all 7,800 wreaths covered (for the graves)”, says Sharpe.

At the Indiana Veterans’ Home in West Lafayette, community members came together to place wreaths on tombstones. “We have not forgotten you, ‘” said Raftis.

All of the wreaths are provided by the organization which is made up of volunteers. Gen. Roger Cloutier, Fort Jackson’s commander, is meant to honor and remember the veterans buried at the cemetery.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Conte, the local squadron estimates laying down ten times more wreaths this year than last year. “A lot of the stuff that we’re able to do today wouldn’t be doable if it wasn’t for them”, Beach said.