Wreaths Across America Brings Out the Best in the Spirit of the Holidays
Since 2007, volunteers across the U.S. have placed wreaths on the graves of veterans at our national cemeteries during the holiday season.
This year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Wreaths Across America event at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, TX. A picture-perfect day, Saturday saw thousands of volunteers descend on DFW National Cemetery where we laid nearly 54,000 wreaths on the graves of veterans and their loved ones.
In an age where it seems polarization is the norm, it is neat to see so many people come together to cooperate on a single simple goal: Honor veterans who are no longer with us. We were all asked to take one wreath at a time, place it on a grave, and say the person's name on the headstone as a verbal reminder of that person's part in our world. For about an hour, volunteers did this over and over until all 54,000 graves had a wreath on it.
For me, who never served in the armed forces, this event is a great reminder of the service so many men and women have given to our country. I recognize that our nation is in flux, and according to numerous polls, the number of adult Americans who take pride in our country is at an all time low and continuing to dwindle. Our country isn't perfect, and we have made mistakes, but, our country is still our home, and I personally am grateful for the men and women who have served to make that possible.
If you are interested in participating next year, the Wreaths Across America event will take place at all national cemeteries on Saturday, December 14, 2024. At DFW National Cemetery, there is a ceremony at 11:00am, and the wreath laying begins at noon.
