This past Saturday, Dec. 16 2023, volunteers across the nation and world headed to more than 4,225 cemeteries where they honored the more than 3 million Veterans buried there. And once again, members of the American Legion Family were big supporters of National Wreaths Across America Day events in their communities.
Here in Castle Rock, the American Legion Harry C Miller Post 1187 came together with our American Legion Riders, American Legion Auxiliary, Castle Rock American Heritage Girls, Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as volunteers, residents and community organization members to honor and remember those who served this great Nation.
The local ceremony at Cedar Hill Cemetery was organized by Wreaths Across America, and we were honored to provide the Color Guard and help lay the wreaths at the graves of Veterans. A wreath was also laid by a member of each branch of the Armed Forces, and there were a few speakers along with the reading of the name of each Veteran who lays in rest at Cedar Hill.
A singular moment, after the ceremony and away from the crowd, exemplifies why these ceremonies matter and the sometimes unseen impact they can have.
After the wreaths had all been laid, there was still one wreath left, and our Senior Vice Commander, Dave Giboo, set out to see if there were any Veterans who had been missed. Someone else found one and directed Dave there. As he had with every wreath, he placed it by the headstone, took a step back, saluted, and said the Veterans name out loud.
There was a woman standing nearby, who approached and asked Dave if he would mind saluting again so she could take a picture. Dave of course repeated his salute as the woman took a picture, and then he asked if the Veteran was a family member or friend of hers.
“This is my husband, it’s my first Christmas without him”
This was followed by tears and quiet conversation as they were joined by our Post Commander, Mike McNairy.
In that moment, the echo of her gratitude transcended the bounds of Cedar Hill Cemetery, resonating with each volunteer, every participant, and all those who, through their acts of kindness, transformed a Saturday in December into a testament of honor, unity, and love. As we reflect on this day of tribute, let us carry forward the spirit of National Wreaths Across America Day—a spirit that unites us in remembrance, honors the sacrifices of the past, and lights the way for a future where no Veteran is forgotten.
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