Volunteers gather to honor military veterans with wreaths across Upstate
Upstate communities are rallying in a heartwarming tribute to our military veterans this weekend. With a mission to ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten, citizens will join hands in a nationwide initiative – Wreaths Across America.
Wreaths Across America’, a nonprofit organization born from the vision of Morrill Worcester, a wreath producer, in 2007, plans yearly events in December where volunteers place live wreaths at the gravesites of veterans.
Community Invitations
There are several locations scheduled for this special tribute in the Upstate region on Dec. 14. Many sites are still in need of volunteers to lay or sponsor wreaths.
Woodlawn Memorial Park:
The quiet solemnity of Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville, will be punctuated with respect and remembrance as the ceremony commences at noon. The site shelters around 4,000 veteran gravesites. In a commendable show of community spirit, the Greenville Harley Owners Group along with community volunteers have sponsored 4,507 wreaths. These ensures that each grave will be honored with a wreath, and additional wreaths will benefit other sites.
City of Mauldin:
The Veterans Memorial at the Mauldin Cultural Center is another key location. The ceremony, running from 11-11:30 a.m, will involve dignitaries and proud citizens alike, laying a minimum of 120 wreaths at various city cemeteries. Maulding First Baptist Church and Mauldin Methodist Church have already been confirmed among the sites being honored.
Green Lawn Cemetery:
Meanwhile, at Green Lawn Cemetery, an event focuses on section 71, a resting place for 6,000 veterans. The goal is to adorn at least 1,250 graves with wreaths. Amazingly, 860 wreaths have been sponsored already. Participants will be guided by red arrows to ensure a respectful and efficient process.
On the same note, Floyd’s Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springhill Memorial Garden, Nazareth Presbyterian Church, and Liberty Memorial Garden have all lined up events, seeking to honor as many veteran graves as possible.
Clubs Participation and Spread of Honor
Interestingly, clubs like the Spartanburg County Clemson Club, Triangle Clemson Club are joining hands to remember and honor the veterans. In their respective ceremonies, club members will assist in laying remembrance wreaths.
Further Opportunities to Participate
December 15th presents the community with more opportunities to honour our heroes. MJ Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery will host a ceremony, surpassing their coverage goal with 4,507 wreaths for the 3,900 veteran gravesites.
Hillcrest Cemetery:
Hillcrest Cemetery in Greerโs event, organized by American Legion Post 115 is another excellent way for members of the community to respect the sacrifices of the veterans. The event includes laying wreaths on veterans’ graves right after opening ceremonies. Thanks to a generous community, 281 wreaths have been sponsored, which surpasses the coverage goal of 177 graves.
This nationwide tribute is surely a graceful way for communities to express their respect for veterans. These events help the citizen commemorate the values, sacrifices and the importance of freedom that veterans strived for.
