Greenwood Prepares to Honor Veterans in Heartfelt Ceremony
As Greenwood’s residents bustle with excitement over holiday preparations, a meaningful and heart-touching ceremony is ready to pause time and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifices. This Saturday, as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event, the community will come together to honor military veterans by adorning their graves with beautiful, fresh wreaths.
A Fitting Tribute at Edgewood Cemetery
Under partly to mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures gently hovering at 58°F, volunteers have been diligently preparing at Edgewood Cemetery. Notably, Caroline Whitmire and Gloria Evans, driven by a sincere commitment, have adorned the cemetery’s iron-wrought fences with wreaths and small American flags. These wreaths proudly feature mini-flags for each military branch and the poignant POW/MIA flag.
Community Support and A Historic Tradition
The event, now in its fourth year, has seen a significant growth in support. Gloria Evans shares, “It really is a tremendous project,” emphasizing the community’s dedication to honoring every veteran. From the first year of distributing 800 wreaths at two cemeteries, this year, they will lay 1,200 wreaths across five, expanding their gesture of gratitude and remembrance.
The origins of Wreaths Across America date back to 1992 with a simple act of kindness. Since then, the initiative has spread across the country, particularly after a moving image of wreaths at Arlington went viral in 2005. The Greenwood effort mirrors this sincere dedication, driven by the hope to cover every veteran’s grave.
A Collaborative Effort
It takes a village to coordinate the logistics and ensure every wreath finds its rightful place. Two truckloads of wreaths arrived in Greenwood earlier this week, delivered with the help of dedicated volunteer drivers. Their journeys span countless miles, reinforcing the message that honoring veterans is a collective priority.
Generous sponsors like local businesses and organizations offer invaluable support. Some, like Lonza, even give their employees a day off to participate. The Greenwood Police Department also lends a hand by removing wreaths in January, ensuring the grounds remain respectful and tidy.
Honoring the Sacrifices
Programs like these serve as a poignant reminder, especially for the younger generations, of the price of freedom. “People died and they need to be remembered,” says Evans, who is keen on involving students and illuminating them about historical sacrifices.
Saturday’s ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church will indeed be a blend of solemn gratitude and shared stories. With heartfelt music and speakers, it is set to not only pay tribute but also inspire the community to keep these acts of honor alive year after year.
As gratitude fills the air, Greenwood stands as a testament to communal empathy and remembrance. Through simple yet impactful actions like these wreath displays, the message resonates: You are not forgotten.
