DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Wreaths were laid around the country this past weekend in memory of the brave men and women who have served our country. The patriotic event was part of Wreaths Across America, where communities came together across the country to honor their veterans.

In Tullahoma alone, 323 wreaths were laid. There were also three laid at the graves of Civil War veterans. The Tullahoma event is organized by Girl Scout Troop 2163, led by Troop Leader Greg Gressel. In Coffee County, ceremonies were held at Hurricane Grove and Fredonia as well as at the Coffee County Courthouse, Maplewood and Oakwood Cemetery in Tullahoma and Beech Grove Confederate Cemetery. The Jack Daniel’s Brave Employee Group held a wreath ceremony in Lynchburg.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families by placing wreaths on their graves. Wreaths Across America Day is a day in December when volunteers place wreaths on veterans’ graves and say their names out loud. The day takes place on the second or third Saturday of December at more than 4,200 locations across the United States. Its mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the value of freedom. The organization was founded in 2007 by Morrill Worcester, a wreath producer, with the help of veterans and truckers. The organization’s founder and his family began placing wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 as a way to thank service members.

Locally, a fundraiser for Wreaths Across America is ongoing. Any sponsorship of a wreath will be matched for Maplewood Cemetery in Tullahoma through Jan. 14. You may make your checks to Wreaths Across America and put Maplewood in the memo. Give the checks directly to Greg Gressel or drop them at the South Jackson Performing Arts Center. From there they will be sent through the Coffee County group to National Headquarters.