Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
When broken down into numbers, the Wreaths Across America ceremony has an impressive reach nationwide. Sixty tractor trailers delivered 400,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, 800,000 volunteers placed wreaths at 4,225 cemeteries across the nation – all for one day, December 16.
One of those participating was the Arbovale Cemetery, where the Pocahontas Coun-ty Veterans Honor Corps placed eight ceremonial wreaths at the flagpole to honor the servicemen and women who have and are currently serving in the United States armed forces.
The tenant of Wreaths Across America is to Honor, Remember and Teach.
In his address, Honor Corps commander Rick Wooddell reminded those in attendance that it is because of the members of the armed forces – past and present – that we, as a nation, are able to have a happy and joyful holiday season.
“The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality,” Wooddell said. “Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the whole world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free, and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.
“Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have and continue to fight to protect the innocent and the oppressed,” he continued. “This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people all around the world.”
The freedom experienced every day in America is because of the sacrifices made by service members who should always be remembered, not only by their families, but by every American –whom they stood up to protect.
“Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well,” Wooddell said. “For this, we say thank you, and we are honored to know you. There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military – here at home and at places far away. These men and women are part of the best trained, best equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice.
“Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we follow the three main tenants of this day – Remember the fallen, Honor those who served and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom,” he concluded.
The following Honor Corps members placed wreaths in memory of those who served and are serving.
Army Specialist Fourth Class Donnie Waybright – United States Army.
Retired Navy Chief Sam Arbogast – United States Navy.
Marine Sergeant Duke Fry – United States Marine Corps.
Air Force Airman First Class Steve Fierbaugh – United States Air Force.
Army Guard Master Sergeant Larry Carrico – United States Space Force.
Army Sergeant John Sparks – United States Coast Guard.
Retired Captain George Fleck of the Merchant Marines – United States Merchant Marines.
Retired Army Sergeant Major Sollie Workman – POWs and MIAs.
The ceremony was closed with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
