ROCKINGHAM — Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Maine wreath maker Merrill Worcester created the Arlington National Cemetery event in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
On Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, the General Henry William Harrington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with community volunteers and local veterans’ organizations, took part in this nationwide effort by placing over 400 wreaths at gravesites in Eastside Cemetery in Rockingham, North Carolina. This is the third year that the local DAR chapter hosted the event at the cemetery.
AMVETS Post 316 color guard opened the ceremony, followed by a beautiful rendition of our national anthem by vocalist Carly McKay and welcoming remarks by Melissa Wall, chapter regent of the General Henry William Harrington Chapter of the DAR and John Hutchinson, mayor of the city of Rockingham. Wreaths were presented in honor of each branch of the United States military, as well as the United States Space Force and prisoners of war.
Bo Frye, veteran of the United States Marine Corps and guest speaker, emphasized the need for the community to continue to educate our next generation on the importance of military service. “The freedoms that we enjoy today are a direct result of the cost and sacrifice of a soldier not a politician. It is imperative we teach that relationship to our next generations.”
“Our chapter is proud to support Wreaths Across America in its mission,” said Sharon Hutchinson, the chapter’s Wreaths Across America committee chair. “It is truly a community event. We have a shared dedication to ensuring the legacies of those who served are not forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of freedom. It is an honor to be able to work with these local groups and volunteers to remember our veterans.”
Editor's Note: See photos from the ceremony at the RO's Facebook page.
