At noon on Saturday, December 16th, community members, businesses, volunteers, and Veterans gathered at South Park Cemetery in Greensburg for the annual Laying of the Wreaths event. Organized and coordinated by Leslie Thackery and the staff of Gilliland Howe Funeral Home, over 1,500 wreaths were distributed through the Decatur County project.
Wreaths Across America was founded in 1992 by Maine native Morrill Worcester. Worcester and his family created the event after childhood memories of a visit to Arlington National Cemetery lingered. Worcester and his family began with a small gathering in his Maine hometown and the project grew from there. This annual event placed more than 2.7 million wreaths on service members headstones in 2022.
Funded through sponsorships, donations and volunteer hours, Wreaths Across America continues to welcome and encourage all ages to engage in this project. Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information.
Wreaths Across America stands by three words: Remember – Remember the Fallen, Honor – Honor those who serve, and Teach – Teach the next generation the value of freedom.