The holiday spirit was delivered to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego Saturday for “Wreaths Across America Day” – an event across the U.S. meant to honor and remember veterans this time of year.
Locally, 1,600 volunteers placed big, beautiful holiday wreaths on more than 3,000 veteran graves at Fort Rosecrans following a special ceremony. The wreaths -- delivered to the cemetery early Saturday morning (see photo below) -- are a symbol of remembrance for the vets who sacrificed so much.
The event was attended by representative from each U.S. Service Branch, military families and community members. Retired Army Lieutenant General Claude M. Kicklighter, director of DoD commemorations, was the guest speaker.
The Navy JROTC cadets from Westview High School presented the wreaths.
Providing musical tributes, the Navy Band Southwest Brass Quintet performed and the Francis Parker Lower School Chorus sang several songs, including “God Bless America.”
Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a non-profit organization that lives by the mission: “Remember. Honor. Teach.” The organization aims to remember fallen veterans who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, honor those who serve and teach children about the freedoms we enjoy every day, and the cost of those freedoms.
Each year, with the help of sponsors, donors and volunteers, the WAA lays wreaths in veteran cemeteries across the country in hopes of spreading their message and paying tribute to veterans during this season. To learn more about the non-profit, visit the WAA website.
