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Showing posts with label Wreaths Across America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wreaths Across America. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Being Part of Something Wonderful

Last Saturday was our second opportunity to help with the laying of wreaths at the Western KY Veteran's Cemetery.


We arrived early on that chilly morning to help family members laying wreaths however we could.  There was a lot of searching for loved ones (since everything looks exactly the same... except for new rows...), took photos for people of them laying the wreath so they could send to other family members, and a whole lot of listening.


See the coins?

A penny means you knew them and have visited the grave.
A nickel means you were in their unit.
A dime means you were in battle with them.
A quarter means you were with them when they died.
(In this case, obviously not in battle).


Family was allowed private time from 9:30am to 11:30am to lay their wreaths.  After that volunteers placed wreaths on all the rest.


So many people there to help.



People from all walks of life.


Himself


Me


In about 5 minutes the whole field was done.

While we waited during family time, we visited some of the graves...


A friend's wife

A friend of Himself.  He was indeed "a good man".

Makes you wonder...and smile.


A true hero.

Would it not have been fun to know him?


A kindred spirit.

Wow... tough, really tough.

Kind of says it all...



Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Wreaths Across America

This last December 17th, we had the privilege to be part of the memorial service and wreath laying at the Kentucky Veteran's Cemetery West.


We hadn't been there before.  It is quite beautifully set up.


The memorial service was held in the pavilion area.


These ladies are "Gold Star Wives".  They all have lost their husbands in war.  They are the local impetus for the wreath laying in our area.


The 101st Airborne Division provided the Color Guard for the ceremony.


The honorary wreaths were placed by members of the Armed Forces.  From Right to Left:  Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and US Navy...plus one other...


... a wreath laid for those who didn't come home and who were a prisoner of war... laid by one of their own.


Tribute.


Honoring these men served in Korea and WWII (the gentleman in the chair was 100 years old).


The stacks and stacks of wreaths... one for every 1748 veterans, 566 dependents, and 17 service members who were killed in action.


So many.


Indeed.


Every...

...single...


...stone.

We will SO be back next year.