Wreaths Across America

 My Father In-law was buried in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in 2020. We had just moved into our new house a few month earlier, and when talking to one of our new neighbors, a Veteran, he told us about Wreaths Across America. He told us that we could volunteer to help lay wreaths on the graves in the National Cemetery. I was too late for 2020, but we volunteered for 2021.

Waiting during the ceremony.

My husband and I, along with our daughter and grandkids, were going to go out to the cemetery on December 18, 2021 to volunteer for the event. As with everything in our lives, it just wasn't going to be that simple. I broke my foot and was in a boot, so I was not able to attend and my granddaughter could not attend. So, my husband, daughter and grandson ventured off early on a cold, windy Texas day to volunteer.

Having never attended this special day, a lot was learned on this first visit. First, thousands of people volunteer for this event to lay 48,000 plus wreaths. Parking was crazy. My family had to park in the median of the 4 lane road outside of the cemetery and walk a few miles to just get into the property. Then there was a lot of waiting. Waiting in high cold winds without shelter several miles from the car.

The street where the car was parked and everyone walking to the entrance.

The organizers hold a ceremony first full of pomp and circumstance including a military fly over. Then boxes with the wreaths were positioned on the roads around the property for each section of this very large cemetery. The volunteers are given the wreaths and instruction. When they lay the wreath on the grave, they say the name of the Veteran on the headstone. They can also say a thank you for their service if they want. My Grandson asked his Papa if he could lay the wreath on his Great Grandfather's grave. Obviously the answer was yes, and my husband said it was very emotional and special. Our grandson laid the wreath, kneeled down in front of the headstone, and fluffed and straightened the bow. Our Grandson was very proud of his Great Grandfather's Service and even wrote about him during last years Veterans Day celebration at school.

My family continued laying wreaths, saying the names of the Veterans and thanking them for their service. Although it was a long wait to get started, and because there were so many people participating, each person only had to lay about a dozen wreaths a piece. This event left a huge impact on our family.

My Father In-law's section was complete.

The definition of a wreath is a band of intertwined flowers or leaves worn as a mark of honor or victory. As a country our leaders lay wreaths on many military tombs, and this event is no different. This is not a religious or a holiday event, it is a Patriotic event to honor the service of our Veterans. 

Our visit on January 12, 2022

My husband and I went back to the Cemetery before the wreaths were removed. Even after a month of unseasonably warm weather and no rain, the wreaths were a bit brown and worn, but still gave us such a feeling of pride. It is a wonderful way to recognize the service of these Patriots during a time of year when people are so self absorbed. What better time of the year than December, the end of the year, to thank these selfless Men and Women who risked their lives for another year of our freedom.