Every December, Wreaths Throughout America’s mission is to recollect our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those that serve and train our kids the worth of freedom by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington Nationwide Cemetery, in addition to greater than 3,700 extra places in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and overseas.
“We’re gathered right here right this moment at this cemetery and at different cemeteries all throughout America and world wide to keep in mind that we’re one nation with one flag,” mentioned Grasp of Ceremonies Mick Hersey, a retired Navy senior chief petty officer. “The freedoms we take pleasure in right this moment haven’t come with no worth. We thank those that gave their lives to maintain us free and we will not overlook you.”
A veteran’s wreath symbolizes our honor to those that have served, are serving within the armed forces and to their households who endure sacrifices day by day on our behalf. Every of the ten balsam bouquets that comprise a veteran’s wreath additionally symbolize 10 particular qualities that our veterans embody. Their perception in a larger good, love for one another, energy, honesty, humility, ambitions, optimism for America, concern for the long run, satisfaction of their duties, and hopes and desires that didn’t at all times come true however left them with no regrets.
“Keep in mind, we’re not right here right this moment to ‘adorn graves’,” mentioned Hersey. “We’re right here to recollect not their deaths, however their lives. Every wreath is a present of appreciation, from all of us, a grateful America.”
Through the ceremony, a service member from every department of the U.S. armed forces carried a wreath, adorned with a purple bow, to the cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument, and rendered a salute. Afterward, wreaths have been positioned on the headstones of veterans buried throughout the cemetery.
“I feel it’s essential that we present appreciation for many who got here earlier than us,” mentioned Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anthony Johnson, Naval Medication Readiness Coaching Command. “To be sincere, I really beloved the ceremony. It’s solely proper that we pay respect again to them.”
Ivy Inexperienced Cemetery has a big army part, honoring fallen women and men of all providers. Of the approximate 4,000 gravesites in Ivy Inexperienced Cemetery, greater than 600 are veterans. This yr marks the eleventh yr that Ivy Inexperienced Cemetery has participated in Wreaths Throughout America.
