HEROES, Exchange Associates Join Millions Honoring Veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day
Members of the Exchange HEROES Special Emphasis Program and other Exchange associates were among thousands in Dallas-Fort Worth and millions nationwide who honored deceased Veterans on Dec. 16 during National Wreaths Across America Day.
During the annual event, volunteers place wreaths on Veterans’ graves. Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery was one of more than 4,000 locations nationwide that hosted the event. Volunteers laid wreaths on some 56,000 graves at Dallas-Fort Worth, including Exchange associates who put wreaths on relatives’ graves.
“It was a wonderful event,” said Shalandrea Smith, a member of the HEROES group, who placed a wreath at the grave of her father, Air Force Sgt. Charles Brooks. “We were excited to see so many volunteers representing all communities coming together to honor those who fought for our freedom. It was a privilege to participate.”
During an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, volunteers were reminded that they weren’t just decorating graves—they were asked to say the Veteran’s name out loud and thank him or her for their service as they placed the wreaths.
“We unite in expressing gratitude and respect across the United States of America, remembering the fallen, honoring those who served and who continue to serve, as well as their families, in instilling in the next generation the significance of freedom and the cost of freedom,” Col. Robert Born, deputy commander of support for the 1st Cavalry Division, said during the ceremony. “I also want to thank our military families, whose contributions are invaluable. Serving as a crucial support system, you play a vital role. The U.S. military relies on the numerous contributions you make.”
Exchange Transportation Officer Army Capt. Marquis Clark, a Wreaths Across America Day volunteer, places a wreath on a Veteran’s grave. Clark’s son, Isaiah, and daughter, Isabella, accompanied him to the event.
At the ceremony, representatives of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Merchant Marines each placed a wreath on a stand honoring their branch of service. A wreath honoring POWs and MIAs was also placed.
Volunteers were then directed to the cemetery section of their choice. Locator maps available online and on-site helped family members find loved ones’ graves if they weren’t already familiar with the burial sites.
Among the volunteers was Army Capt. Marquis Clark, Exchange transportation officer, who was accompanied by his son, Isaiah, and daughter, Isabella.
“It was an amazing event to honor those who have served our great nation,” Clark said. “The volunteer turnout and support was heartwarming.”
Chief Western Region Business Officer Kristine Cowley also volunteered, accompanied by her daughter.
“This was our first time attending this event and it just filled our hearts with so much pride to be able to participate,” Cowley said. “It is a small token of appreciation for our heroes but left a lasting impression on us that we will keep with us forever.”
You can view photos from the Dallas-Fort Worth event in a special Flickr album. If you participated in a Wreaths Across America Day event and have photos you’d like to share, please send them as high-resolution jpeg attachments to exchangepost@aafes.com and socialmedia@aafes.com.
My sister and I were able to help at the Ft. Sam National Cemetery in San Antonio, Tx. I’m sad to say that not all grave sites received wreaths. I am not sure if they were going to get more at a later time. I took my parent by the next morning to my brother grave and just a hand full in his section up front had wreaths. It could be a lack of funds. Not sure but would like to find out.
I would like to know that too. Dallas-Ft Worth got 56,000 wreaths. I would like to know know how these are funded. I would donate since I work most of the events and can’t help
THANK YOU!