Honoring Sacrifice: Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony Unites Communities
In a touching tribute to fallen veterans, communities across America gathered to ensure that those who served are not forgotten. The Wreaths Across America ceremony, held at the Mare Island Naval Cemetery and the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, brought together volunteers in a heartwarming display of remembrance and gratitude.
Ernest Hemingway once poignantly noted, “Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name.” This sentiment was at the heart of the ceremonies, where attendees placed wreaths on tombstones, saying aloud the names of the deceased to honor their memory.
Steve Nash, representing the Navy League of the U.S. Vallejo Council, led the efforts at Mare Island once more. A former NAS Alameda serviceman from 1974-1980, Nash emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of veterans. “The freedoms that we enjoy every day have come with a great price,” he remarked. Despite a decline in donations, Nash ensured that each of the 940 graves received a wreath by contributing his own funds. The absence of past significant donors, Phillips 66 and Valero, was felt, but the community’s participation was unwavering.
Among those honoring the fallen was Fleta Matthew of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, who has attended the event annually. “I’m here every year whether there’s rain, snow, sleet, or just cold weather,” she shared. Similarly, Erwhien Buenaflor and David Osuna from the Men of Gilead Masonic Rides Association participated, each bringing personal connections to the military.
The tradition of Wreaths Across America began in 1992, inspired by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company. His childhood visit to Arlington National Cemetery left a lasting impression, motivating him to honor veterans with surplus wreaths. With the help of Senator Olympia Snowe, this initiative has grown to reach over 4,600 locations nationwide.
At the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, hundreds of volunteers, including first-timer Rhonda Polder, gathered to lay wreaths. For Jake and Candy Miller, who traveled from Indiana, the ceremony was deeply personal, as their son is among the servicemen interred there. “It’s a way to honor him,” said Candy.
The day included a special ceremony at 9 a.m. with wreaths dedicated to each military branch. Travis Air Force Base Commander Colonel Brandon R. Shroyer urged participants to reflect on the service and sacrifice of the veterans as they placed each wreath. “Think about the service and sacrifice,” he encouraged.
The Mare Island Naval Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest Naval cemetery on the West Coast, is undergoing significant restoration. Future improvements, including a new irrigation system and parking lot, are planned with discussions set for January 12 in Vallejo.
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