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'Wreaths Across America' Honors Those Who Served
Sun Photo by Phil Gentry More than 1,500 wreaths with red bows were placed on graves at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery as part of the “Wreaths Across America” program.
Source: The Greeneville Sun
by Amy Rose
Date: 2008-12-15
Nearly 100 spectators of all ages attended a solemn and moving wreath-laying ceremony Saturday at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery as part of the "Wreaths Across America" program.
The second annual ceremony in Greeneville coincided with hundreds of wreath-laying ceremonies across the country in which Taps was played simultaneously at 12:08 p.m.
"Today as we gather on this hallowed ground we acknowledge and remember that each of these markers that bears a name -- and today a wreath -- represents a story, or stories as the case may be," said the Rev. Dr. Dan Donaldson, the keynote speaker. "They are stories of valor, of courage, of sacrifice, self-sacrifice, commitment and more. Whether those stories were written in the midst of conflict or in the preservation of peace, we gather to remember, to honor, to give thanks for those individuals who have served our nation and us as its citizens."
Seven wreaths in honor of each branch of the military and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIAs) were placed at the flagpole atop Monument Hill.
They were marched up the hill by representatives of each military branch who were saluted by students of the Greene County Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC).
Carrying the wreaths were:
* U.S. Air Force, Maj. David Wims;
* U.S. Army, Pvt. 1st Class Beverly Franklin;
* U.S. Coast Guard, Petty Officer Matt Thiry;
* U.S. Merchant Marines, Dave Gilmartin;
* POW/MIAs, Capt. Sam Doak;
* U.S. Marines, Larry Henderson; and
* U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Daniel Harton.
On their way up the hill, the wreaths passed through a saber tunnel formed by members of the Greeneville JROTC.
On Friday, JROTC students and members of Girl Scout Troop 214 placed more than 1,500 wreaths on all the graves, according to Lizzie Watts, superintendent of the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery.
Supertintendent Watts
"When I drove up the hill this morning, I was touched by the simple red bows and green wreaths, for what they mean to all of us," Watts said.
She said "Wreaths Across America" has three purposes -- to recall those who gave their lives for their country, to honor those who served and continue to serve, and to teach children the value of freedom.
Watts thanked the crowd for taking a moment to remember "how precious and important the responsibilities of being an American are."
She also encouraged everyone to take a moment during the holiday season to thank a veteran for serving the country.
The ceremony coincided with the centennial of the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery and bicentennial of the birth of President Andrew Johnson.
Rev. Donaldson noted that Johnson had an "unwavering commitment to the Constitution, which guarantees the freedoms defended by the U.S. military.
The opening prayer was given by veteran Raymond Conkin.
The National Anthem was played by the Chuckey-Doak High School Band, under the direction of Jamie Walker, followed by a 21-gun salute by the Greene County Honor Guard.
Taps was played by Mark Laughlin and Jon Jensvold, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, led by seventh-grade students from Baileyton Elementary School and Girl Scout Troop 214.
A moment of silence was held for those who fought for their county but did not return.
Mayors Speak
Both Greeneville Mayor Laraine King and Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles spoke during the ceremony.
King recalled how her father lied about his age so he could join the U.S. Navy and fight in World War II. She asked the crowd to study the meaning of liberty.
Broyles recalled all the wars fought by American soldiers, beginning with the Founding Fathers, who "won because they knew and believed in what they were fighting for."
He said their spirit is carried on by those who continue to defend America.
"Our brave men and women are serving and defending the freedoms we enjoy today," Broyles said.
Also speaking were representatives of all local veterans associations:
* Raymond Conkin, Greene County Veterans Association;
* Larry Henderson, Elbert Kinser Detachment of the Marine Corps League;
* Bobby Collins, Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrew Johnson Post 1990;
* Mark Hutchens, Patriot Guard Riders;
* John Hicks, Retired Enlisted Association; and
* Hart Covington, American Legion Post No. 64.
The ceremony closed with the crowd singing "God Bless America."
"Wreaths Across America" was started more than 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones at Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays.
For more information on "Wreaths Across America," go to www.wreaths-across-america.org.
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