Community members unite to honor veterans during Wreaths Across America Day at Florence National Cemetery.
The town of Florence came together this Saturday to celebrate Wreaths Across America Day, honoring over 15,000 veterans at the Florence National Cemetery. Hundreds gathered to read names, share stories, and lay wreaths as a heartfelt tribute to those who sacrificed for their country. The Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina marked their 14th year of participation, collecting 11,000 wreaths this year. The event underscores the significance of community involvement in remembering veterans and teaching future generations the value of freedom.
This Saturday, the charming town of Florence vibrantly celebrated Wreaths Across America Day, a heartfelt occasion dedicated to honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. military who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The event, which has been brightening the lives of communities coast to coast since it started over 30 years ago, saw its roots planted by Morrill Worcester, a wreath maker from Maine. The first year he launched this effort, he delivered 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery using just one truck. Since then, the movement has blossomed into a nationwide phenomenon.
On this particular day in Florence, hundreds of community members came together at the Florence National Cemetery to honor more than 15,000 veterans who are buried there. As they gathered among the solemn gravestones, a palpable sense of respect and appreciation filled the air. To honor the sacrifice of these heroes, volunteers took turns reading the names of those veterans who served and laid down their lives for the freedoms we hold dear.
For the Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina, this year marked the 14th anniversary of their dedicated support for the Florence National Cemetery. Each year, thanks to the encouragement and hard work of volunteers, the event has expanded, collecting an impressive total of 11,000 wreaths this year alone. The love for those who served shines brightly through their efforts.
Among the attendees was Ed Wright, a Vietnam War veteran who traveled all the way from North Carolina. He described the event as a truly remarkable experience, sharing in the unity of a community that values and recognizes the contributions of its veterans. Each wreath, purchased through the Blue Star Mothers for $17.00 each, serves as a beautiful tribute, bringing warmth and remembrance to the solemn occasion.
While the ceremony in Florence brought together an abundance of community spirit, other locations also recognized Wreaths Across America Day. In Aiken County, for instance, a ceremony was held on December 14 to honor Cpl. Matthew Dillon, a decorated Marine who tragically lost his life in Iraq in 2006. Here, Maj. Gen. Jeff Jones delivered a stirring keynote speech, emphasizing the essential duty to remember and honor those who have served. Such events happened at over 4,600 locations across the country on this day, highlighting the nationwide commitment to honoring our veterans.
As wreaths were lovingly laid on grave markers, volunteers were encouraged to say the names of those veterans and gently touch the headstones. This action signifies a deep respect and acknowledgment of their service. The laying of wreaths serves a greater purpose of honoring sacrifice, bravery, and commitment within the community. The heartfelt mission of Wreaths Across America echoes in their motto: ‘Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.’
At the Florence National Cemetery, where there are approximately 16,000 gravestones, only 3,112 wreaths have been funded so far for the upcoming ceremony. There’s a clear call for further community support to help honor these veterans properly. The Blue Star Mothers tirelessly work alongside Wreaths Across America, actively seeking donations to ensure that each veteran’s grave has a wreath as a mark of gratitude.
It’s heartwarming to see the community of Florence rally together in support of all fallen veterans. According to one heartfelt message from the father of Cpl. Matthew Dillon, the power of community support is paramount. As they continue to honor the sacrifices made, it emphasizes just how important remembering our heroes is to everyone involved. Each wreath serves not just as decoration, but as a testament to the sacrifices and bravery embodied by those who served our nation.
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