Wreath-Laying Honor

Last Saturday was the annual wreath-laying at A. J. Horton Veteran's Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia. The ceremony itself is part of the Wreaths Across America movement to decorate each veterans grave with a wreath at Christmastime.


I know that a lot of people are unaware of Wreaths Across America, especially if you don't have a loved one in a Veterans Cemetery. I was reading an article in The Virginian Pilot and thought perhaps you'd like to learn a little more about this moving tribute.

• Here in Suffolk, Va. the wreaths are purchased by donations.
• This year there were 5, 800 bought at the Worcester Wreath Company (I think that is in Maine, but I am not sure. Somewhere in the New England area.)
• A volunteer drives the 18-wheeler from the plant to a warehouse in Suffolk.
• Ten wreaths are packed in each cardboard box and must be removed and 'fluffed'.
• Besides the fluffing that must be done, each red bow must be straightened.
• The next day the wreaths are transported to the cemetery by the 18-wheeler.

• Family members are allowed to place a wreath on their own loved ones grave

• Volunteers, hundreds of them, complete the task.

• This is followed by a ceremony with music, a speech and other activities.

• Finally, the crowd is led across the cemetery with a bagpiper in lead. 

•  Wreaths are placed on a few chosen graves. Taps is played.

If you haven't attended one of these wreath-laying ceremonies, I suggest that you go next year. It will move you to tears, change your life in many ways, and what a great way to start off the Christmas season.