Wreaths Across America

When I lived in Maine, I drove by Wreaths Across America in Harrington, I didn't know what it was all about. This year, I ordered a wreath. Not just one wreath, but two. One came to me and the other was placed on a veteran's grave in Sean's honor. Today, I attended the ceremony at the Raleigh National Cemetery.

Hundreds of wreaths blanketed tombstones of veterans of all branches of the military.

The band began to play...

As the JROTC from two area schools looked on

The ceremony began with an introduction from the Daughters of the American Revolution

before the flags were brought in by a local unit of the Civil Air Patrol and Rolling Thunder.

The ceremony continued with a prayer and proclamation by the Sons of the American Revolution.

And then came the part we all were waiting for, the dedication of the wreaths.

THE ARMY

NAVY

MARINES

AIR FORCE

COAST GUARD

MERCHANT MARINES

POW~MIA

Prisoner of War ~ Missing in Action

(The veteran who placed this wreath was a prisoner of war for three years during WWII.)

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

All wreaths in place, the guest speaker took the stage.

His words painted a vision of a cemetery in Normandy and told stories of The Greatest Generation.

A ceremonial volley, prayer, and taps before

the colors were retired.

May we all take the time during this holiday season to remember those who have lost loved ones.

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