Veterans organizations and communities came together to honor American service members that have passed over the years with a wreath laying service on Saturday. The ceremony was part of the National Wreaths Across America. The Habersham County community joined in with remembering, honoring, and teaching about the sacrifices veterans give to provide freedom to this great nation.
Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church told the story about a young boy of the age of twelve getting the idea to start Wreaths Across America. An idea that “took off”, Church said.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Park on Smith Loop Road outside of Demorest was one of nearly 4,800 sites across the country that took part in the Wreaths Across America tribute to honor veterans in the local community.
The VFW Memorial Park was one of three sites in Habersham County that participated in the event. At the same time as the VFW Memorial Park event, the Old Clarkesville Cemetery held its event, sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Earlier in the morning, members of the Grant-Reeve VFW and American Legion Post, both from Cornelia, performed a wreath laying ceremony at Demorest Cemetery.
Church informed over 70 people that attended the event that the ceremony was going to be a bit different than in years past. “We are going to do something just a little bit different here this year than what has been done the past two years,” he said. “We are also honing veterans and their spouses.”
He said that the families give just like the veterans. Church told the audience that if the veteran was gone and left his family here, spouses fought just the same. “Momma was here taking care of the kids. Momma was here paying the bills. Momma was here fixing the house when the house broke,” he said. “Momma fought her own war.”
State Representative Victor Anderson addressed the audience about the meaning of laying of the wreaths. “Each wreath represents not just a name on a stone, but a life-a story, a family, and a legacy of service.” he said. “We are blessed to have so many veterans who call Georgia home, and today, we honor their service and the service of all veterans across our nation.”
Anderson recognized veterans’ sacrifices. “Every veteran, whether active duty, retired, or passed, deserves our gratitude, respect, and support. Their sacrifices are immeasurable. It is our responsibility to ensure that those who have served our country receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve.”
He recognized the sacrifices families have made. “We must also remember the families of our veterans-the spouses, parents, and children who have supported them throughout their service. Their sacrifices are often hidden, but they are no less important. These families have shared in the burdens of deployment, the anxiety of uncertainty, and, for some, the grief of loss. They, too, deserve our gratitude,” Anderson said.
He asked the audience to never forget our veterans. “ As we lay these wreaths today, let them serve as a symbol of our promise to never forget. Let them be a reminder that the memory of those who gave everything for our country will live on, not only in these moments, but in our hearts and actions every day.”
The wreath laying ceremony began with Cub Scouts from Pack 5 of Clarkesville and Pack 24 of Cornelia laid wreaths for each branch of service. After the scouts laid their wreaths, the Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute, firing of muskets and a cannon, followed by the playing of Taps.
Scout leaders from Pack 5 and Pack 24 stated that the scouts were included in this year’s ceremony as part of their community service. “Service to our community is what this is about,” Pack 5 leader Greg Harris said.
Pack 24 leader Adam Hartson added that this is teaching scouts how to be reverent. “One of the 12 Scout tenets is to be reverent. A Scout is reverent. This helps teach reverence,” he said.
Church was pleased with the warm weather and the turnout for the event. He was appreciative of all of those that participated in the ceremony.
