McALESTER, Okla. -- About 50 people gathered on a mild, overcast morning at the Oak Hill Cemetery here to pay homage to the nation's veterans during the Wreaths Across America ceremony, Dec. 12.
For the second consecutive year, the Kilihoti Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution organized the local Wreaths Across America program to remember, honor and teach generations of Americans about the sacrifices made by its veterans. It is held simultaneously with the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
McAlester mayor, Steve Harrison, welcomed those attending before reading his proclamation designating Dec. 6-12 as Wreaths Across America Week in McAlester.
Col. Sean M. Herron, commander, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, talked about the origin of Wreaths Across America before it evolved into a national ceremony that is now commemorated in all 50 states and at 24 national veterans' cemeteries on foreign soil.
He spoke about the Wreaths Across America mantra -- remember, honor, teach -- to ensure the sacrifices of the nation's sons and daughters are never forgotten.
"We must remember that service is an inherent responsibility in our democracy, a responsibility that continues throughout our lives for those who have served, to inspire future generations to service," he said.
"As long as America can produce heroes like the late Bronze Star Medal recipient and McAlester native, Army Sgt. Jason J. McCluskey, who was killed in action in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, and others, who freely step forward to serve this great nation of ours," Herron said, "we will continue as the beacon of light and hope for people when times are darkest in this dangerous world."
Keynote speaker Royse Jackson, commandant of the Marine Corps League #438 Indian Nation Detachment, and a Bronze Star recipient in Vietnam, talked at length about the men he served with during the Tet Offensive in 1968. He also shared a vast array of Vietnam War trivia, detailing how families and communities were affected by the war.
Before concluding his remarks, Jackson pulled out etchings of the names of his battle buddies who lost their lives in Southeast Asia. He grappled with his emotions as he recalled many of the minute details of their lives and the loved ones they left behind.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the DAR presented letters of gratitude to Jackson and fellow Vietnam veterans Danny Belvin and Terry Loman, who participated in the ceremony as members of the Choctaw Nation color guard. The DAR is partnering with the Department of Defense on the 50th anniversary commemoration.
A wreath for each of the four armed services, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Merchant Marines, and the POW/MIAs were laid at the entrance to the cemetery adjacent to the tree planted by the DAR on April 22, 2015, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The wreaths will remain throughout the holiday period.
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MCAAP is one of 14 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial base facilities under the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
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