HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Local veterans and community volunteers will gather Saturday, Dec. 13, for Wreaths Across America ceremonies at two cemeteries in Habersham County to honor U.S. military veterans and ensure they are remembered during the holiday season.
The first ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. at Demorest City Cemetery, followed by a wreath-laying at the Grant Smith Reeves Veterans of Foreign Wars Cemetery on Smith Loop Road. Both ceremonies are organized by Grant-Reeves Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7720.
“We welcome anyone who wants to come and help support veterans,” Post Commander Barry Church said. “The worst thing you can see is a veteran grave that has no flowers or anything on it. By placing a wreath there this Saturday, it will be beautiful.”
Church added, “We need to honor our veterans more than we do, and this is one way to do it.”
Church said members of the Habersham Central JROTC, Boy Scouts and local fire department personnel will also participate in the ceremonies.
The wreaths arrived Monday in Cornelia from Columbia Falls, Maine, home of the Worcester Wreath Company and the Wreaths Across America organization.
The national event began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company, donated surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, launching what would become an annual tradition. The nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America was later established in 2007 to expand the effort nationwide.
Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach future generations the value of freedom. Each December, volunteers place wreaths at more than 4,000 participating locations across the United States and abroad.
The public is invited to attend both ceremonies. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early and dress for cold weather.
More information about the national program is available at wreathsacrossamerica.org. Details about Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 can be found at vfwpost7720.org.
