DEMOREST, Ga. — Community members, local officials, veterans and youth organizations gathered Saturday morning at Demorest City Cemetery to honor fallen service members during a Wreaths Across America ceremony held as part of the national observance.
Demorest Mayor Jerry Harkness opened the ceremony, thanking attendees and acknowledging city support for the event.
“We’re grateful to have this in the City of Demorest,” Harkness said. “We’re grateful that the city council has voted to fund a little bit of this. When you see your council members, make sure you thank them for that. And we’re grateful to be able to lay these wreaths here today.”
Harkness then introduced guest speaker Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon, who is serving his 12th year in city leadership and is currently running as a Republican for Georgia’s 9th Congressional District.
Couvillon told the crowd he was honored to attend the ceremony despite a busy schedule and thanked organizers for the invitation. He began his remarks by recognizing the Scouts in attendance and emphasizing the importance of Scouting in building leadership and lifelong skills.
“What I’ve learned is the importance that Scouting has in our community,” Couvillon said, encouraging young participants to continue their involvement and strive for leadership roles.
Turning his remarks to veterans, Couvillon acknowledged that he did not serve in the military but expressed deep appreciation for those who did.
“I do not know what it’s like to leave a family, to go across to foreign soil,” he said. “But I am grateful for everybody that has served. It’s the foundation of our country that we have men and women who are willing to serve.”
Couvillon also noted the sacrifices service members make, including missed birthdays and holidays, and thanked veterans and their families for their commitment. He closed by wishing them a Merry Christmas.
The ceremony was part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America effort, which seeks to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach future generations the value of freedom. Volunteers placed wreaths on veterans’ graves following the program.
After the ceremony, Harkness told Now Habersham the event marked the city’s third year participating in the observance.
“This is a great cause,” Harkness said. “This is the third year that we get to participate. These folks have served our country, and this is a small gesture that we can do here in our cemetery to honor those that served us.”
Harkness said the wreath-laying is especially meaningful during the Christmas season.
“I think this is very important to come out here and honor these people, speak their names and lay a Christmas wreath on their grave during the season,” he said.
Wreaths Across America ceremonies were also held Saturday at two other locations in Habersham County.
A large crowd gathered for the ceremony Saturday afternoon at the VFW Cemetery in Demorest. District 9 State Representative Victor Anderson was the guest speaker.
The Daughters of the American Revolution and Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation Board partnered together again for their annual observance of Wreaths Across America in the Old Clarkesville Cemetery.
