Wreaths Across America will honor past veterans across the nation by laying special wreaths at cemetery headstones this weekend.
North Texans stepped up this year to ensure that one of the participating locations in Fort Worth did not have a single headstone without a wreath.
Wreaths Across America announced earlier this year that specially made wreaths will be placed at the gravesites of service men and women at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery immediately following a ceremony on December 16 at 11 a.m.
The national non-profit’s original goal for the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was 54,500 wreaths. Coordinators were concerned, however, that they would not receive the needed number of wreaths to honor each grave, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The organization now reports that it has exceeded its goal by 9,726 or 18.4% with 451 coming from other participating locations that had exceeded their own goals such as Smithfield Cemetery, Allen Cemetery, and Medlin Cemetery.
Larry Allen, a 74-year-old U.S. Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and a Wreaths Across America volunteer, told NBC 5 DFW that he participates with the organization to honor family and friends in service and those he had served alongside.
“You cannot imagine the emotions,” said Allen, per NBC 5. “I never, never not cry when I’m laying that wreath. Never.”
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at the cemetery before 10 a.m. on Saturday morning to avoid parking congestion. Participants are also encouraged to bring their families and children with them.
“We do not assign sections so you are free to lay wreaths in the section you choose. All sponsored wreaths and instructions will be provided by your section leader,” said the organization on its website.
A total of 1,329 of the excess wreaths will be given to Rest Haven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, and the Beaty Funeral Home.
