Today, we visited Arlington National Cemetery to see the Christmas wreaths that had been laid against all the grave markers by countless volunteers.
First seeing them last month while driving on Fort Meyer for a doctor appointment, I didn’t realize the cemetery bordered the post.
Over the stone walls, and through each of the iron gates, I saw row after row of white markers with lush green wreaths and red bows.
My heart was gripped.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Each year, these Christmas wreaths are laid at all the military cemeteries across America, through an organization called Wreaths Across America.
Our first visit on this day was to the grave of my mom’s cousin, tail gunner PFC Byron K. Chatham, Jr, who was shot down in the Pacific and buried with his buddies, whose story is at this link.
Every grave has a story, lost to time.
Yet we know part of their story.
They are heroes who helped to keep our country free.
We must never forget…
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA’S BEGINNINGS
Wreaths Across America began years ago when a little boy visited Arlington National Cemetery for the first time.
He never forgot…
In 1992, his Christmas wreath business had extra wreaths.
Reflecting upon his first visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Morill Worcester arranged for the extra wreaths to adorn the older graves of the cemetery, which no longer received many visitors.
(The older section dates back to the Civil War.)
Over the years, this gesture has grown to include other organizations to ensure that every military grave across America receives a Christmas wreath.
Some private citizens volunteer to help to pay for wreaths, while others lay them gently against each grave.
Details on how to donate or participate in the wreath laying are here.
