Wreaths Across America ceremonies planned at two local cemeteries
{Photo: Daughters of the American Revolution/Social Media}
Two local wreath-laying ceremonies will take place in Lexington on Saturday, Dec. 13, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring and remembering the nation’s fallen servicemembers.
The ceremonies are being hosted by the Leonard’s Creek Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), an official Wreaths Across America sponsorship group. The local events will join more than 5,600 ceremonies held nationwide, honoring the service and sacrifice of more than three million U.S. veterans laid to rest across the country.
Members of the Leonard’s Creek Chapter have spent the past year raising funds to place nearly 300 wreaths on the graves of veterans buried in Davidson County. The effort supports the mission of Wreaths Across America — Remember, Honor and Teach — “which aims to keep the legacy of America’s servicemembers alive for future generations.”
“Each wreath represents a life, a family and a story of service,” organizers said. “This day is about pausing to acknowledge those who answered the call and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
The first ceremony will be held at noon at Pilgrim Reformed Church Cemetery, located at 797 Pilgrim Church Road. The North Davidson High School ROTC will present the colors, and professional trumpeter James Armstrong will perform “TAPS.”
A second ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Mt. Tabor United Church of Christ Cemetery, 1002 E. Holly Grove Road. The Lexington Senior High School JROTC will present the colors and perform “TAPS.”
Veterans attending either ceremony will be given priority in placing wreaths, a tradition that organizers say adds a meaningful personal connection to the event.
The ceremonies are open to veterans, active-duty service members, families of veterans, volunteers, sponsors, media and members of the general public.
Organizers expressed gratitude to the event’s Gold and Silver Sponsors, including the Women’s Guild of Mt. Tabor UCC; Brinkley Walser Stoner PLLC; Dr. Greg Hedrick of Davidson Animal Hospital; Bruce and Ginger Hill; Joe and Susan Weaver; Kathy Hunt of The Media Matters; Gary and Patricia Elms; Tony and Amy Oxner; Brian and Shanda Warfford; and Steve and Karen Beck.
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester, who began the tradition of placing wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. The organization now coordinates ceremonies at veterans’ cemeteries and memorial locations in all 50 states and overseas.
The Leonard’s Creek Chapter of NSDAR was organized in 2018 and serves Davidson County through patriotic programs, veteran recognition, educational outreach and community service. Membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution is open to women age 18 and older who can document lineage to individuals who supported American independence during the Revolutionary War.
For more information about the local ceremonies, residents may contact Kathy Hunt, vice regent of the Leonard’s Creek Chapter at kathylhunt@icloud.com.
