Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Each year, thousands of volunteers place more than three million wreaths on the headstones of United States Veterans for the annual Wreaths Across America celebration.
Those wreaths are not Christmas decorations, however. They are a way to honor the servicemen and women who gave their all to ensure the land of the free remains free.
Joining in the worldwide celebration last Saturday – which included wreaths being laid in all 50 states, upon ships at sea and United States cemeteries in other countries – the Pocahontas County Veterans Honor Corps held a ceremony at the Arbovale Community Cemetery.
Honor Corps Commander Rick Wooddell reminded those gathered that the three tenants of Wreaths Across America are Remember, Honor and Teach.
“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life,” he said. “The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation and abroad are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear.”
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Keep moving forward,” the last words spoken by Captain Joseph Byers, U.S. Army, who was killed in action in the Battle of Fallujah, Iraq, in July of 2023.
This year, the nation also celebrates the 80th anniversary of VE Day – Victory in Europe, and VJ Day – Victory in Japan, as well as the 250th anniversaries of the establishment of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
“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 serve, along with their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Instead of placing wreaths on individual headstones, the Honor Corps placed eight ceremonial wreaths around the flagpole. The wreaths represented the seven branches of the U.S. military, with the eighth honoring the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action – POW/MIA.
Each wreath is placed in memory of those who served and are still serving in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. The POW/MIA wreath is in memory of the more than 80,000 servicemen and women whose last known status was Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.
Army Specialist 4 Donnie Waybright, Navy Chief Sam Arbogast, Marine Sergeant Duke Fry, Air Force A1C Steve Feirbaugh, Air Force Sergeant Howard Shinaberry, Navy Seaman Rob Curry, Army Sergeant John Sparks and Retired Army Sergeant Major Sollie Workman placed the wreaths.
In closing, Wooddell thanked those in attendance and once again, thanked those who served or are currently serving in the military.
“Remember, we are not here today to decorate graves,” he said. “We are not here to remember their deaths, but to honor their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America. These live balsam firs symbolize our honor and gratitude to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf.
“To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms that you enjoy today have not been free but come with a cost that someday you may have to pay yourself,” he continued. “As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred and injustice.”
