Wreaths Across America honors veterans
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Keith Jordan lays a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the Air Force as part of the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Photo by Chris Cody
Paisley Weaver (front) of Girl Scout Troop No. 130347 lays a wreath to honor those who have served and are serving in the U.S. Navy, with help from a freemason of the Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 995. Photo by Chris Cody
ANAHUAC— For the second year in a row, volunteers from around the area came out to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice by placing evergreen wreaths against the headstones of veterans.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, about 380 veterans' headstones at Anahuac Cemetery were adorned with wreaths, led by Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 995.
Laid with care and remembrance, each wreath represents the life of a veteran who fought for freedom in the United States.
"The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear," said Randall Decker, master at Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 995.
Each wreath is handmade from balsam fir, grown in the eastern coastal region of Maine.
Volunteers were asked to take a minute to re-fluff the greens and rearrange the bow before placing it on a gravestone. To keep veterans' memories alive, volunteers were also asked to say the veterans' names aloud.
The national event first began in 1992 with 5,000 wreaths. This year, over 3.1 million wreaths were placed on gravestones across 5,598 locations, according to a press release from Wreaths Across America.
"The wreaths laid today serve as a powerful gesture that unites communities, families, and even generations," said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. "It serves as an opportunity to learn about the men and women who served and sacrificed to protect our freedom."
In addition to the individual wreath-laying, seven wreaths were laid during the ceremony in honor of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and soldiers who never returned home.
Last year, Decker chose to localize the national event to unite the community and honor veterans, and as he continues his service as Lodge master, he keeps the ceremony alive.