Cemetery Hosts “Wreaths Across America” Ceremony

A “Wreaths Across America” remembrance ceremony was held at Andrew Johnson National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, December 15th.

The “Wreaths Across America” tradition began in 1992, when Worcester Wreath Company founder and president Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine, was reminded of a boyhood trip to Washington, D.C., and the striking image of Arlington National Cemetery.  The Arlington Wreath Project became an integral part of the Worcester Wreath Company culture. 

In 2006, volunteers across the nation participated in “Wreaths Across America” at 200 state and national cemeteries and other prominent veteran’s memorials. The objective of these ceremonies is to honor American servicemen and women for their significant contribution in preserving the nation’s freedoms.  The “Wreaths Across America” mission is to “Remember - Honor - Teach” – remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom.

The cemetery received 1,000 wreaths from an anonymous donor. They were placed on the graves by Greene County Air Force JROTC cadets and a group of Greene County veterans on Friday, December 14th. In addition to those laid at the gravesites, the cemetery received seven wreaths representing the seven branches of the military that were placed in the cemetery by representatives from those branches during the ceremony on Saturday.

Many local volunteers and organizations participated in the event, providing services and equipment and speaking on behalf of veterans and their families. Many local, state and federal dignitaries attended the event and were given time to speak.

The national anthem was played by the West Greene High School Band and taps by Tyler Reeves, a member of the band.  The local VFW gave the twenty-one gun salute and displayed the colors.

Superintendent Lizzie Watts described the event as “one of the most touching and beautiful events of her career.  From the young cadets laying the wreaths to the beautiful visual created by the wreaths at each gravesite, it was spectacular.”