Volunteers and Spring Hill locals gathered at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens to lay wreaths on the headstones of over 460 fallen veterans during the national Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday December 17th.
Many servicemen were involved in the ceremony including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10209, the Knights of Columbus Assembly 3022, members of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and members of the United States Marine Corps Detachment.
The theme of the ceremony this year was “Say their names.” This theme was prevalent when the volunteers would say the name of the fallen veteran whose headstone they placed wreaths on in order to ensure that person was not forgotten.
A majority of volunteers who laid the wreaths were either veterans or people from families with long lines of military members. One volunteer, Marty Cook, the Auxiliary Secretary of the VFW Post 10209, attended the ceremony for the first time Saturday. “I’m here because it’s my duty,” she said after laying wreaths on some of the headstones in the cemetery.
The Cub Scouts Pack 443, which is sponsored by VFW Post 10209, attended the event as well to “support Post 10209 and to learn about the value of freedom,” according to the pack’s den leader.
After volunteers put wreaths on the veterans’ headstones, everyone gathered around for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the laying of remembrance wreaths to honor different military branches. The final remembrance wreath was laid down was by Sgt. James Castano, Battalion 1, Unit 244 of the National Guard Black Hawks; this wreath honored the 93,129 U.S. service members of all military branches who have not returned due to their prisoner of war or missing in action status.
During the closing comments, Dave Harris, a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment, mentioned the meaning the wreaths have in the ceremony.
“The wreath is a Persian symbol given to show honor and importance,” Harris said. “The circular shape signifies eternity, completeness, perfection and holiness. These wreaths represent victory, loyalty, dedication and the transition from death to eternal life.”
Wreaths Across America is a national ceremony held across America every year to remember U.S. veterans who have passed away. The ceremony held in Spring Hill was hosted by Florida Hills Memorial Gardens and Turner Funeral Home. This was the third time Florida Hills Memorial Gardens directed the ceremony.