This year’s Wreaths Across America Day took place on Saturday, December 16. Thanks to a hard working and dedicated group of volunteers, 612 wreaths were distributed in Oakland Cemetery.
Mayor Jason Akers opened the ceremony with a brief statement, and County Judge Jessie Griffin (SGM, Ret) led an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition to to the 612 graves that were adorned with a wreath, former State Representative LeAnn Burch said that there were an additional eight graves located to add to next year’s list.
Burch said that she is grateful for the volunteers who braved the rain on Saturday.
It was also noted that co-chairs for setting up this event, Sandy Funderburg and Louisa Smith did an amazing job.
According to Wreaths across America, the event at Oakland Cemetery was one of over 4,225 that took place across the country. In all, over three million veterans were honored on Saturday.
“What I love most about this day, and this mission, is that it is so much more than just the placement of a wreath. The wreath is the catalyst, it brings together communities - families and strangers -- to learn about those who have served and sacrificed,” said Karen Worcester, executive director Wreaths Across America. “We have more than three million volunteers across the country and a third of them are children. This mission and the events happening today provide the opportunity to teach kids about what freedom is.”
For more information about the year-long mission and ways to get involved in your own community, please visit www.wreathacrossamerica.org. National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 will be held on Saturday, December 14.
