The Webster community has done it again.
At Saturday afternoon’s Wreaths Across America ceremony, several hundred adults, children, veterans, active military and first responders gathered at Webster Union Cemetery to honor our veterans at the 2024 Wreaths Across America Day, proving once again what a generous and caring community Webster is.
Local Wreaths Across America organizer Cherie Wood was delighted by the amazing response from the Webster community. It was that support that allowed Webster’s Wreaths Across America effort to expand to a fourth cemetery this year. Last December 1,350 wreaths were placed at three Webster cemeteries: Webster Union, Webster Rural and Union Hill. This year, Holy Trinity joined that list, and among the four cemeteries, volunteers placed an amazing 2,100 wreaths on Saturday morning.
The ceremony began promptly at noon. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem and a moment of prayer, Wood explained how Wreath Day is not just a local occurrence, but was happening at the exact same time at almost 5,000 cemeteries across the country, in foreign battlefields and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“Today almost five million wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves today, including here in Webster,” Wood said, reminding everyone that, “We are not here to ‘decorate graves.’ We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful nation.”
Following Wood’s remarks, representatives from each of our nation’s armed services placed ceremonial wreaths in memory of those who served, and those who are still listed as Prisoners of War or MIA. It was especially moving when Dorothy Reid and Grace Allen, from Gold Star families, placed the Army wreath. Dorothy lost her son, and Grace lost her father, in Afghanistan.
Family members of veterans who are resting at Webster Union Cemetery were invited to enter the grounds first to place wreaths on their loved one’s graves, followed a few minutes later by the rest of the volunteers. Wood encouraged each participant to say the veteran’s name out loud before placing the wreath, and take a moment to thank him or her for their service.
She explained,
It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive. Wreaths Across America has a saying: A person dies twice. Once when they take their last breath, then again when their name is said for the very last time. Many of our veterans no longer have family to remember them. Today, we, the Webster community, will become their family. They will not be forgotten. Not on our watch.
After placing the wreaths at Webster Union, volunteers were invited to drive to Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity to help place those wreaths.
The heartwarming support from the Webster community has even been noticed by the National Wreaths Across America organization. In 2023, Webster placed in the top 4% of the country for the number of veteran wreaths placed in one town. Webster has a lot to be proud of.
For sure, I was very proud of my community that day, and I especially appreciated seeing entire families attend the event, involving their children in this solemn ceremony. It’s a great way to teach them how important it is to remember and honor our fallen heroes.
Click here to see an entire gallery of photos.
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(posted 12/16/2024)
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And, speaking as a self-appointed spokesman for the Webster Community, we are proud and grateful to you, Missy. Wreaths Across America received minimal coverage by the local news media. Webster, and surrounding areas are fortunate to have you to inform us, inspire us, rally us to support events like Wreaths Across America, especially when they visit cemeteries in our town, and honor our departed family, friends and neighbors. I dare say that without you, these events would not be nearly as well attended and supported as they are; you deserve much of the credit. Everyone contributes to our community, but you do so in a special and important way, quietly, regularly, and without fanfare. Thank you for keeping us informed, and making us aware of special events like this, for inspiring us, bringing us together and reminding us of how remarkable Webster is in so many different ways. A Merry Christmas to you, Missy, and all whom you love. May 2025 be healthy, joyful and full of adventure and great stories for you!
What a kind comment! Thank you for those sentiments. Merry Christmas to you as well!