On the morning of Saturday, December 14, at the Alabama
National Cemetery in Montevallo, a busload of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory
School Middle School students stood amongst hundreds of volunteers in somber
remembrance of those whose headstones they would adorn with wreaths. Wreaths
Across America is a volunteer organization whose mission is to remember the
fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. Once a
year, volunteers from across the United States, at sea, and abroad gather at
military cemeteries to lay remembrance wreaths onto the graves of our country’s
fallen heroes from all branches of service. This is the 11th year
that the Alabama National Cemetery has held this event.
The Wreaths Across America event attracted hundreds of
volunteers from across the state of Alabama. With the many hands available,
placing wreaths on all 6,000 grave markers was light work. Some had loved ones
they could honor with wreaths. For others, it was an opportunity to pay tribute
to comrades in arms. For all in attendance, it was an unforgettable event, and
hopefully, it will raise awareness of the importance of remembering all veterans.
MCPS theology teacher Tom Riello and history teacher Hollis
Johnson accompanied the 30 students on the trip. Riello joined his 7th
grade son, Peter, who had signed up to help that day.
“I had heard from other people who had gone last year about
how moving this ceremony was,” said Riello. “When Peter volunteered to help, I
figured it was as good of an excuse as any to go. It was such a privilege to be
a part of a ceremony that acknowledged the heroic sacrifice of those who gave
everything they had for the cause of freedom in the United States and around
the world.”
Peter saw Wreaths Across America as a unique opportunity to
honor those who had dedicated their lives to service to our country.
“I wanted to honor veterans and pay my respects to them for
all they’ve sacrificed for us,” he said. “My brother served in the Navy, so
this was a special day for me. I really enjoyed hearing stories about the
veterans during the ceremony and learning about what they were willing to do in
defense of our citizens. My favorite part of the day was when I got to place
wreaths and say a prayer for each person.”
For Johnson, who is a veteran himself, this trip had an even
more significant meaning to him.
“I loved participating in Wreaths Across America so much
last year I couldn't wait to do it again this year,” he said. “Being a Marine
Corps veteran, I find it very moving to honor those veterans who are no longer
with us.”
Although there are federal holidays that pay tribute to
members of the military, Wreaths Across America aims to bring attention to the
service of veterans and acknowledge the importance of remembering them,
especially through the winter holidays. And for Johnson, it was an opportunity
to recognize brothers in arms.
“Like last year, I looked for brother Marines to lay a
wreath at their graves,” he said. “I found two Vietnam War Marines, saluted
them, then prayed for each and their families. It's touching to know that they
are not forgotten; someone knows they are there. Semper Fidelis, ‘Always
Faithful.’”
For all in attendance, it was an unforgettable event, and
hopefully it will raise awareness of the importance of remembering all
veterans.
The wreaths will remain in the cemetery until January, at
which time the MCPS Middle School students will return to help clear the
cemetery. More information about Wreaths Across America can be found at
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
