FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Oftentimes, veterans don’t receive the honor and respect they deserve for the sacrifices they’ve made for our country. Because of this, since 2007, an organization has made it its mission to honor veterans who have passed.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, 5Country got the chance to participate in the Wreaths Across America event in Fayetteville.
Every year, the nonprofit group places Christmas wreaths on over two million veterans graves across the country. While it seems like a small act, beautifying our veterans' graves means everything to many people like Gretta Storey who participated in the event.
“I hope that if something like this, were me that you know, somebody were to do this for me,” said Storey.
Storey served in the Marine Corps and comes from a long line of Air Force veterans. Her son is currently serving in the Air Force.
Just like Greta, the coordinator of Saturday’s event, Pete Brennan served as a Navy Pilot.
Brennan said, “I think it's important for us to remember the theme of Wreaths Across America. It’s to remember those that have fallen, to honor those who have served and are serving, and to teach the next generation the importance of freedom.”
Brennan said about 2,000 people came out and placed about 10,000 wreaths on the graves. He says this year more people participated than last.
“I had the opportunity to speak for a minute behind the podium and look out and was stunned at how many people are out today,” Brennan adds. “So I think it's growing. There’s more and more people that are getting involved.”
Brennan says giving back to these veterans can be very fulfilling and means everything to the families who visit.
“It is really very rewarding to have a personal relationship with the veteran who's in that grave. It's really very, very personal,” Brennan adds.
Storey said, “It makes me just glad that we have people like this that support the community and support the veterans just all the way around. So I’m just very happy to see this.”
Wreaths Across America will need volunteers on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. to help remove all the Christmas wreaths from the graves.
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