FORT RILEY, Kan. - More than 900 wreaths were placed on headstones Dec. 13 at Fort Riley's Post Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. Across the U.S., ceremonies took place to honor veterans who have served in the military.
Guest speaker, Col. John Dvoracek, deputy garrison commander for transformation, spoke about the mission of Wreaths Across America.
"Today we are here to remember the fallen, honor those who have served and teach our children the value of freedom. This is the mission of Wreaths Across America," Dvoracek said.
"More than 350 cemeteries throughout America, others are remembering our veterans on this day of remembrance. More than 100,000 will be placed today in honor of those who have sacrificed, and thanks to the efforts of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Ladies Auxiliary our volunteers will place over 900 wreaths here today."
After Dvoracek gave his speech, seven ceremonial wreaths were laid representing the seven different branches of the military. Sgt. Andrew Spinazzola, 1st Infantry Division, played taps after the laying of the wreaths.
As people laid wreaths on the tombstones of the veterans they were asked to take a moment and write down the veteran's name on a Wreaths Across America sticker so they could continue to remember after they left the cemetery.
"These wreaths are a reminder that we must never forget the sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform. Because of their courageous service, this nation and the ideals that it was founded on - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - those ideals have endured more than two centuries," Dvoracek said.
Social Sharing