Local Effort Underway to Support Wreaths Across America


I am proud to be part of a community in Galveston, Texas that honors its heroes. Whether it’s former Constable Clint Wayne Brown playing TAPS as an entire cruise ship spontaneously applauds this past Veterans Day or Commander Michael Caballero leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 880, Galveston has a special way of ensuring our Veterans are not forgotten. Organizing last year’s Wreaths Across America event has taught me a lesson I will never forget. I first learned about WAA after being chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier on my 7th grade trip to Washington D.C.. It inspired me to do my part and honor the great men and women who have served and are serving our nation. What I have learned, is that we all need to take time and not just say thank you but show our gratitude and respect to our Veterans and their families for the sacrifices they make. Shaking the hand of a WWII Veteran and thanking a family friend for his service in Vietnam made me realize how appreciative they were of such a small gesture. They deserve so much more. I think everyone in attendance that day felt what I did. It’s hard to put into words the feeling I felt, but I know I felt a sense of deep gratitude and respect for our Veterans. We all took the time to dust off an old grave and say that Veterans name aloud. This is the least we can do to show our appreciation.
Saturday, December 15th is National Wreaths Across America Day, when communities across the nation gather to remember our fallen, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations the value of freedom. This is the second year that Lakeview Cemetery in Galveston will participate in this National Event. The goal: to place a live, balsam fir wreath at the headstone of every Veteran buried at Lakeview and spread patriotism and commemoration for the ultimate sacrifices they made for our country. With the support of J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home, Ball High School’s JROTC & Cheerleaders, and Flying Fortress CrossFit over 100 wreaths were placed in 2017. This year 300 wreaths will be placed, and we need volunteers. Join us, Saturday, December 15th at Lakeview Cemetery (3015 57th Street Galveston) at 11:00am. This year’s theme is “Be Their Witness”. For more information and to volunteer please visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ or email andrew_farrant@me.com