KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

A local Girl Scout troop spent some time this past week to honor some of Tullahoma’s deceased veterans by placing a wreath at their graves during the annual Wreaths Across America event.

Girl Scout Troop 2163 hosted a Wreaths Across America at Maplewood Cemetery on Sat, Dec. 16. The troop was joined by representatives of the different branches of the U.S. military including retired Maj. Gen. Alan Harris, U.S. Army and National Guard; Sgt. Curtis Hice, U.S. Marines; retired Cmdr. Frank Wonder, U.S. Navy; retired Col. Beverly Lee, U.S. Air Force; retired Maj. Robert Hayes, U.S. Air Force; Petty Officer 2^nd Class John Brock, U.S. Navy; and AEDC Commander Col. Randel Gordon, U.S. Air Force.

Joining the troop and community members to honor the veterans who had passed were several city officials State Rep. Rush Bricken, aldermen Derick Mann, Bobbie Wilson and Jenna Amacher and Mayor Ray Knowis. The master of ceremonies for the event was Troop Leader Greg Gressel.

“Thank you Girl Scout Troop 2163 for hosting and the 40 plus community members that came out to honor our veterans who have passed,” Gressel said. “Some of the troop had to be out of town on Saturday but helped greatly in the preparation for this event by placing markers in all the graves of veterans so they could be easily identified for wreath placement.”

Founded in 1992 by Maine native Morrill Worcester and his wife, Karen, Wreaths Across America is an annual tradition that seeks to honor those who served in the nation’s armed forces. The tribute originally took place only in Arlington National Cemetery but grew in the 2000s to take place in cemeteries across the country. The wreath-laying ceremony traditionally takes place on the second or third Saturday in December, depending on when local sponsor groups want to coordinate their events. Locally in Tullahoma, Wreaths Across America events have taken place in the Oakwood, Maplewood and Evergreen cemeteries over the years.

According to Gressel, over 300 graves were decorated with wreaths in honor of the eight branches of the armed services. He added he is currently raising money to secure wreaths for next year’s event. From now until Jan. 16, 2024, any donation made towards any cemetery or group organizing Wreaths Across America events will be matched.

“A wreath is $17 but any amount is welcome,” Gressel said.

For more about how to donate, contact Gressel via email at chairman@southjackson.org or call at 455-5321.

Photos were provided by Greg Gressel.