(at top):  RETIRING WREATHS FROM Driver Cemetery are Members of Fairfield High School’s Interact Club, Leaders: Bill and Nicole Crawford; and students: Bryn Burkhart, Im Napoli, Araceli Ramos, Brianna Ramos, Preston Scott. (Submitted Photo)

 

On December 14, 2024, National Wreaths Across America Day took place at over 4,900 participating locations across the country. Our nation’s heroes were remembered as each name was said aloud and honored; over three million volunteers, a third of whom were children, helped placed more than 3 million veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our fallen across the country.

At Driver Cemetery (Teague), LaSalle Cemetery (Groesbeck), New Hope Cemetery (Jewett), Salem Cemetery (Teague), Shanks Cemetery (Teague), Wortham Cemetery including Blind Lemon Memorial Cemetery (Wortham), and the Veteran’s Remembrance Park- Teague ceremonies were held and specifically, over 700 veterans were remembered. Wreaths were placed at headstones/markers by family members and community volunteers. 

Each live, balsam veteran’s wreath was a gift of respect and appreciation, sponsored by an individual or organization and placed on a headstone by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually.

Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When each wreath is placed the service member’s name is said out loud, ensuring their memory lives on. 

The wreaths were placed not to remember the veterans’ deaths but their lives.  Because the wreaths are made of live balsam boughs, they eventually will turn from green to brown.

This past week volunteers began removing wreaths and we appreciate groups such as the Interact Club members at Fairfield High School who came out to Driver Cemetery to help remove the wreaths. The wreaths structures will be repurposed for school projects.

The Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR would like to thank the community, District #22 Masonic Lodges, the Fairfield VFW Post #5872, the Groesbeck American Legion Post #288, HEB Operation Freedom, volunteers, generous sponsors, and area officials for coming together in unity and supporting those who have protected our freedom. Each person has played an important part in the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. 

This year’s National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. For more information, or to sponsor a wreath, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX1128P.  

Point of contact: Beth Harrison — harrisonmb@windstream.net or at (903) 388-7056.