Wreaths Across America returns to Overton County this year, marking the fifth year of the ceremony.
Overton Director Steve Vaughn said the program honors veterans through a memorial ceremony, placing wreaths on the graves of soldiers who have died. Members in the community can purchase wreaths to place in a ceremony, taking place in the Overton County Memorial Gardens. Vaughn said the program has enough wreathes for 454 of the estimated 600 veterans buried in the cemetery.
“We’ve not forgotten these people, some of them gave all,” Vaughn said. “And some of them gave some, but for the most part they have, you know, just made sure that our country has stayed as free and we’ve got to do all the wonderful things we’ve wanted to do with that freedom.”
Vaughn said volunteers helping with the program include the ROTC, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. These organizations place the wreaths during the ceremony every year. Vaughn said this ceremony helps train the younger generations and loved ones alike, showing respect and gratitude for veterans and the generations before.
“We actually say the fallen’s name, or the deceased’s name,” Vaughn said. “And we thank them for their services as we’re placing the wreath upon their graves.”
Vaughn said the ceremony offers family members the option to place their purchased wreath upon the grave they choose. The ceremony is for those who do not want to place the wreaths themselves. Vaughn said people placing wreaths themselves can pick up wreaths and transport them to other cemeteries.
“It’s just a great time to place a wreath upon the grave,” Vaughn said. “And when you drive through you see these and you just don’t realize how many people in your community have actually been involved in the military.”
Vaughn said wreaths cost $17 dollars.
