A long-awaited shipment of wreaths arrived in Cornelia on Saturday, ready to honor the service and sacrifice of American veterans. The 1,300-mile journey from Columbia Falls, Maine, brought 60 boxes of wreaths to the Cornelia’s Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720, arriving at 2 p.m. to a warm reception from a small group of local veterans who were on hand to unload the truck.
The wreaths are part of the annual Wreaths Across America campaign. Thousands of veteran organizations across the United States will place wreaths on veterans’ headstones to remember, honor, and teach. On Saturday, December 14, volunteers from VFW Post 7720, along with others in the community, will place the wreaths at local cemeteries, continuing a tradition of honoring the region’s fallen heroes.
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VFW Post 7720 Commander Barry Church was thrilled to see the shipment arrive on schedule. This event is one he looks forward to every year. This year marks the third time wreaths will be laid at local veterans’ graves in Habersham County. “It’s a special event for us,” Church said. “To be able to honor our local veterans is something we take great pride in.”
Tradition begins
The wreath-laying tradition began in 2022 when wreaths were placed at the VFW Cemetery on Smith Loop Road in Demorest and the Old Clarkesville Cemetery in downtown Clarkesville. The event expanded in 2023 to include the Demorest Cemetery, with the support of the Demorest City Council.
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In its first year, the event saw about 200 wreaths ordered. Now, just three years later, the number has more than tripled. This year, VFW Post 7720 received 720 wreaths, a result of orders from individuals and organizations who wish to honor local veterans.
Church shared his ongoing goal for the event. “I would like to see a wreath placed at every veteran headstone in Habersham County,” he said. “This is just the beginning, and we’re committed to growing the program each year.”
For those who ordered wreaths through the VFW Post, Commander Church and his wife, Linda, will be available at the post in Cornelia for pickup on Tuesday, December 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and again on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The wreaths will be placed on veterans’ headstones on December 14, continuing a meaningful tradition of remembrance and gratitude for those who served.
