Over the weekend, the St. Clair Allied Veteran’s Cemetery was filled with local residents who volunteered to place remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes while saying each and every veteran’s name aloud. The remembrance ceremonies were part of a nationwide event called “Wreaths Across America.”
This year, the local activities were organized by Jowett Family Funeral Home. The original goal was to raise money for 975 wreaths. The goal was exceeded with 994 wreaths sponsored. Volunteers included local Boy Scout troops, families and non-profits organizations. Kelly Klemmer, who volunteered, said “the whole experience was humbling, moving,and such an honor to pay respects to those that have fought for our freedoms.” She said her “boyfriend is an Army Veteran, so when [they] first heard about the mission and the event, [they] were on board immediately.” It was the couple’s first year participating, but Klemmer said they will definitely be back because “it truly was rewarding.”
The national event has been taking place for more than 20 years, beginning at Arlington National Cemetery. This year, wreaths were laid at over 1,600 locations across the United States.
Reporting for WGRT, I’m Karly Hurley.
