Wreaths Across America: What This Event to Remember, Honor & Teach Means to Me & Why You Should Attend by Alice V

Rectangle, symmetrical and evenly spaced between luscious green grass the headstones sit, untouched, yet not forgotten because the lawn was just trimmed. While the person buried below may not have been remembered in 20 years, above we gather to honor their service and have their names said out loud one more time.

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide event that takes place at national cemeteries all over the U.S. for one day in December each year. The movement was started by a wreath manufacturer with surplus goods, and it has gone on for years. Honoring those that served with a wreath and to say their names one more time is to remember the sacrifice that they gave even if they lived a long fruitful life.

This year I will attend the ceremony again, but with my two children because their parents both served in the Armed Forces. I want them to know the price of freedom and what takes to keep our democracy and our way of life going. I want them to know that some gave all, but all gave some. 

Bravery, love of country and mankind is not dead. It lives on when we remember those that served and keep them in our hearts. 

Wreaths Across America will be held on December 15, 2018. 

Photos: WreathsAcrossAmerica.org