CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Local organizations, businesses, and individuals gathered at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Cemetery Saturday as hundreds took part in the National Remembrance Ceremony for Wreaths Across America. Alicia Clark, location coordinator said this year they were able to place more wreaths than ever before.
“We are honoring veterans by placing fresh evergreen wreaths on veterans graves and today we had 1,827 wreaths which is the most we have ever had,” said Clark. The event is part of a nationwide, and worldwide, effort. In 2018 nearly 1.8 million wreaths were placed on veterans graves.
During the ceremony prior to the wreaths being placed by family members and volunteers, individual ceremonial wreaths were were presented for those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S Army, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Merchant Marine.
A remembrance wreath was also presented for the 93,129 U.S. Service Men and Women whose last known status was Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.
Nearby Fort Donelson National Cemetery in Dover, Tenn. and Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, Ky also hosted wreath laying ceremonies. The theme for this year’s event was “Everyone Plays a Part.”