Families and individual volunteers visited two local cemeteries on Dec. 13 to place evergreen wreaths on the graves of veterans — regardless of where or when they served — as a way to honor their lives and service to the country.
Their efforts followed a brief presentation at the Putnam County Veterans Wall of Honor Park by U.S. Army veteran Nikki Barker, who explained that the core purpose of the annual Wreaths Across America program is one of remembrance.
“The last time a veteran’s name is spoken out loud is the day they’re completely forgotten,” Barker suggested to about two dozen attendees Saturday morning at the downtown Eatonton park. “If we come back year after year and put a wreath on their grave, and say their name, we keep their memory alive.”
Since introducing the Wreaths Across America program “seven or eight years ago,” Barker later said this year’s attendance was “the strongest yet” at the Wall of Honor.
“People are starting to look forward to this,” she said. “They know now that they can come out here and see that their veteran loved one has a wreath placed on their gravesite.”
To find veterans’ graves, participants simply fan out and look for any mention of military service on grave markers. Once found, they typically thank the veteran by name and place a wreath on or against their marker. A solemn, heartfelt salute may be delivered, too.
Youth participation has become an increasingly meaningful part of the day, with several families and groups, including local Girl Scouts, helping to place wreaths.
“I love it,” Barker stated. “When you get the kids involved, more people start showing up, and it becomes a tradition. I think everyone gets more out of it when they share the experience.”
Approximately 600 wreaths will be placed this year in Putnam County, which remains consistent with recent ceremonies, Barker said.
Though other local cemeteries were previously included, this year’s distribution was limited to Pine Grove Cemetery and Eatonton Memorial Park. However, Barker said extra wreaths typically remain available after the event and can be picked up at the Eatonton Veterans Thrift Store (934 Oak St., Eatonton).
“As long as I have them, I can give them out” for placement at other local cemeteries or even private burial sites, she said. “We do always appreciate donations, but it doesn’t cost anything.”
Barker also encouraged residents to plan for next year. Individual wreaths cost $17 each, and a buy-one, get-one-free promotion is available through Dec. 31.
Donations can be made online through the end of the year, or in person at the Veterans Thrift Store through Dec. 22 to allow time for mailing. Event-dedicated proceeds help ensure wreaths are available for veterans’ graves throughout the community in the years ahead.