If you have ever doubted that one person can make a difference in the lives of millions, take a few moments to read the story of Morrill Worcester, the founder of a national program to remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach a new generation the value of freedom.
Wreaths Across America, now a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, began in 1992 by the donation of surplus holiday wreaths to Arlington, in order to honor the country's veterans. Since those humble beginnings, the organization has now grown to encompass thousands of volunteers from corporate and group sponsorships. According to their website, last year in 2022, the vast network placed over 2.7 million wreaths on the headstones of service members in nearly 4,000 locations across the country.
In southern West Virginia, several area sponsorship groups participated in this years event, typically held on the second or third Saturday of December. At Huse Memorial Park in Fayetteville, a large crowd of patriots came out to remember those who have served in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. Organized by Cathy Bryant each year since 2019, she says the event has been well received and continues to meet their goal of purchasing wreaths to honor the 722 veterans interred at the cemetery.
Part of the goal of the national organization is "teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms." Incorporating that objective, area schools encouraged students to attend the service to learn more about their American history. Woodrow Wilson High School Air Force JROTC unit also participated in the ceremony with color guard and placing distinguished wreaths to commemorate each military service branch.
Special recognition and honor was also given to our American prisoners of war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA) as well as the sacrifice of all military families. The event was well organized with attention given to the proper protocol for placing the wreath on the headstones and saying the name of the veteran aloud to keep their memory alive.
The solemn occasion was met with reverence and some emotional tears, too, especially during the placement of military branch wreaths by members of the Air Force JROTC and the live performance of taps. Andy Kiddle, pastor at Fayetteville Baptist Church, offered a prayer of gratitude for all service members past and present and especially for the gift of Jesus Christ to all mankind.
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