HONORING THE MEMORIES OF OUR DECEASED MILITARY VETERANS
On Saturday, December 14th, 2013, at a reported ~800 cemeteries in all 50 States and other Veterans cemeteries around the world, many tens of thousands of individuals participated in laying over 500,000 wreaths in the Wreaths Across America event.
Their mission, “Remember, Honor, Teach” was carried out by adults and children alike. Many youth and Scouting styled groups participated. The American Heritage Girls troop (Troop GA-1412) from our parish of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Roswell, GA obtained sponsorships for a few hundred wreaths, all of which, along with thousands more, were carefully and respectfully laid at the grave stones of the deceased.
Typical across the country, the ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery, where we participated, began with solumn assembly, presentation of the Flags, words of inspiration and the playing of Taps. Then the participants were instructed at to the recommended manner in which the wreaths were to be placed.
A simple process, but one consistent with the mission, it went something like this:
Approach, with wreath in hand, a grave.
Read the inscription on the stone and say a prayer for the individual.
lay the wreath, leaning, on the grave stone.
Stand at attention and give a respectful salute.
Continue to the next available grave in need of a wreath.
In Marietta, GA the weather was cold and rainy. But the attitude of all who attended was a consistent, “It’s the least we can do for those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.” The sentiment went as far as the United States Senate, which passed a resolution declaring December 14, 2013 as Wreaths Across America Day.
God bless America.
Peace,
Deacon Tom Gotschall, The Deacon Dad at:
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